Milestones, those wonderful moments that punctuate our lives and mark our accomplishments, took a back seat in 2020/2021 due to COVID-19.
Now, as the world begins to re-emerge we want to mark those special moments that were stolen from us, and ensure that they’re given the spotlight they deserve.
So, we’ve collated a shortlist of where to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, family reunions, and more.
To Celebrate… A Big Birthday
The Destination: Mykonos, Greece
The Hotel: Kenshō Psarou
The Lowdown: Mykonos knows how to party. Where better to toast to your 30th birthday then than here? Spend afternoons at beach clubs such as Nammos or Scorpios, before heading back for a refresh at Kenshō Psarou. Stylish and stone-hued, the hotel’s surrounds will make you feel sophisticated and place you exactly where you thought you’d be aged 30 (even if due to travel restrictions it took until you turned 32 to celebrate your 30th birthday). When the party isle gets a little too much, bounce around the Aegean making stops at Milos and Paros for a little downtime (this decade, it’s all about the detox:retox).
To Celebrate… An Anniversary
The Destination: Aberdeenshire, Scotland
The Hotel: The Fife Arms
The Lowdown: Located in the historic Scottish village of Braemar, The Fife Arms is framed by dramatic mountain ranges and an idyllic landscape – meaning a variety of activities from fishing, to foraging and golfing are readily available to guests. The extracurricular to prioritise: a special art tour of the hotel’s top 20 pieces (including works by Martin Creed and Lucien Freud). A fascinating passion project from partners (both personally and professionally) Iwan and Manuela Wirth, the Swiss gallerists behind Hauser & Wirth, the hotel is wildly romantic. A great spot for couples, created by a marvellous pair.
To Celebrate… A Retirement
The Destination: Comporta, Alentejo, and Manteigas, Portugal
The Hotel(s): Sublime Comporta, São Lourenço do Barrocal, and Casa de São Lourenço
The Lowdown: Make the most of your newfound freedom as retirees and embark on a ‘Coast, Countryside, & Mountains’ road trip through some of Portugal’s undiscovered gems. Setting off from Lisbon, you’ll stay at boutique coastal hotel Sublime Comporta, before heading inland to the rugged Alentejo, to 19th-century farmstead hotel, winery, and spa São Lourenço do Barrocal. Round things off at the alpine bolthole, Casa de São Lourenço before heading for home. The six-night road trip package starts from €2,430 for two people sharing.
To Celebrate… A Birth
The Destination: Litchfield Hills, Connecticut, US
The Hotel: The Mayflower Inn & Spa
The Lowdown: Oozing with New England elegance, a stay at The Mayflower is akin to two weeks of ZZZs (or at least it feels like it). In our book, a mini getaway and good rest is the ultimate way to celebrate your new bundle. From cosy bedrooms to an extensive spa and pool boasting sublime mind-body treatments, this is the go-to modern countryside retreat for the worn-out; new mums and dads can thank us later.
To Celebrate… A Family Reunion
The Destination: Lake Como, Italy
The Hotel: Grand Hotel Tremezzo
The Lowdown: The family owned boutique hotel Grand Hotel Tremezzo, set on Lake Como, is the perfect spot to gather with your own family after months apart. Spend your days rotating between the water-on-water floating pool on the lake, tucking into family lunches of ravioli, fresh fish and such at La Terrazza Gualtiero Marchesi, before heading to one of the waterside bars (to toast to good times ahead). When in need of a little downtime (read: an escape from your relatives) make ways for the impressive T Spa. This is la dolce vita.
To Celebrate… An Engagement
The Destination: Ramatuelle, France
The Hotel: La Réserve Ramatuelle
The Lowdown: Shouldering ritzy St Tropez, La Réserve Ramatuelle offers a more serene scene. A secluded retreat for two (with spacious villas available should your in-laws-to-be arrive en masse), celebrations here are likely to be understated and sophisticated. Set on 25 acres, much of the property’s design is meant to bring the outdoors in. Following a celebratory clinking of glasses with the family, steal away some time for just the two of you at the 10,000 square-foot spa.
Any Questions or Tips to add?