In the height of summer, our spirits are equally high as we enjoy completely unique destination dining in Somerset, a classic British retreat on the Isle of Wight, Peruvian cuisine and Gaelic whiskey flights in Dublin, and ripe tropical greenery in the quieter season of Vietnam. Read on to find out how our editors are taking summer getaways to new heights.
Prague, Czech Republic
Maybe something more shiny and new Prague Today, its historical romance remains irresistible. Back to the good old days Sir Praguewhich enchants you with its fairy-like 19th-century architecture, Cubist furniture, folk art and crafts, and parquet floors. Its appearance has been used as a backdrop for an upcoming Netflix film age of innocence Collection, which is suitable for the pursuit of elegance: orchestral music under the Murano glass chandelier in the library, glasses Sekt A tree-lined courtyard… The hotel’s vibrant dining blends ancient Bohemian pickles and preserves into a modern Levantine menu, and with its ideal location near the pole opposite the Frank Gehry-designed Dancing House, the hotel also offers a taste of present-day Prague.
Why we love it: Down to the angular Cubist teacups, every detail in the room design at the Jazz Hotel Prague has been carefully considered, but there’s no denying that the Jazz Deluxe Suite is the standout. Housed in a three-story tower with sweeping city views, it has an appropriately fairytale feel for this storied city.
Kate Weir, Associate Editor
Bath, UK
St. John the Elder’s Enchanting Georgian Vision bathHoney-coloured townhouse arrives in exquisite form next to Queens Square, in a palatial row Francis Hotel Now occupied. In fact, the famous architect himself lived in it, but he could not have imagined that today you would find such a modern sanctuary. Here you can book collagen repair and LED light therapy at the spa, enjoy open-fire steaks and seafood at the Emberwood restaurant, and sip Wiltshire cider or bee pollen-infused vodka cocktails at the bar. The suite named after him, with its maroon wood paneling, king-size bed and marble bathroom, might have made him feel right at home. He knew clearly that the location – just a short walk from most of Bath’s major attractions – was unbeatable.
Why we love it: Because you can experience Austin style in the hotel’s gallery, which is decorated in vintage pastels and features plenty of plump velvet armchairs. The afternoon tea trolley stops here and you can enjoy chef Dominique Bon’s sweet and savory creations paired with fragrant teas from Gillards of Bath.
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Dublin, Ireland
you can be sure good clark is in The Hoxton Hotel, DublinThe Temple Bar is just a 5 minute walk away, handy if you’ve had too much Guinness. i am lucky to have southwark outpost as my local london hoxtonEspecially since it’s home to one of the city’s best rooftop restaurants, Seabird. Delicious seafood is also a mainstay at Emerald Isle Restaurant, where the menu will transport you to America. Cantina Valentina is the hotel’s Peruvian restaurant Picanteria (a traditional family-run restaurant where locals from towns like Cusco and Arequipa gather) and has its own ceviche bar. Plus, while the distance may be 1,000 miles, guests can get a feel for New York City at the New York-style Dollars Cafe-Deli.
Why we love it: The Hoxton Hotel may have a Victorian exterior, but the site has a much deeper history – an eighth-century Viking pit was excavated during the building works. You’ll be happy to hear the interior is a bit newer.
Caroline Lewis, Senior Editor
Somerset, UK
Foodie’s Rest Osip You’ll feel right at home here with fireside aperitifs, pastel-coloured bedrooms and excellent tips to ensure you’re well fed from the moment you arrive. Somerset’s stays here can be brief, staying up to two nights, allowing more hungry diners to come and enjoy. But man, the food is delicious, and considering the kitchen team’s string of accolades under the direction of chef-owner Merlin Labron-Johnson, the expectation of eating at least one meal during your stay isn’t a tall order.
In June, if the British weather is notoriously reliable, you can enjoy your cupcakes outdoors against a backdrop of colorful wildflower meadows, cattle grazing fields and richly planted polytunnels. Thanks to the local spirit of Michelin-starred Ossip, your curated tasting menu will be as vibrant as your summer surroundings.
Why we love it: Its four bedrooms, all named after the county’s rivers, are cozy spaces you enter after wining and dining downstairs. But you can regain your appetite for breakfast, as healthy breakfast options continue the theme of Somerset’s top-notch produce.
Millie Field, content writer and editor
Provence, France
summer is here provence Each year arrives with carefully prepared joys: lavender fields, linens, lingering lunches. Although I am very familiar with these three people willow house I love its quiet country rhythm. Nestled in the small village of Vallabrègues, this six-suite resort has an illustrious history dating back some 600 years. Pale stone walls, exposed beams and recessed frames recall its former life as a noble family home, and the warm atmosphere remains intact. You’ll soon find its owners become more like friends: serving intimate meals around manicured gardens and telling you, like an insider, local stories from a land proud of its heritage.
Why we love it: Fragrant fig trees are scattered around the swimming pool in the courtyard, where you can enjoy a refreshing tonic on a sun lounger during the hot summer months. If you just want to linger, head straight to the first-floor pool cabana.
Ellie Nelson, Senior Content Writer and Editor
Isle of Wight, UK
Maybe it’s the ribbon-cutting of rosé wine season or the promise of sun-warmed picnics, but for those of us who love wine, June is an attractive month. If you’re wondering where to find me, follow the sound of corks popping and glasses clinking to Smith’s new store Terrace room and wine exist isle of white. Originally a bottle shop (with around 1,000 brands), The Terrace retains its focus on grapes, offering expert-led tastings exclusively to guests every day. What I initially liked was the array of coastal luxury rooms and harborside sun terraces, but on closer inspection Ventnor’s lively atmosphere full of shops, restaurants and bars was also impressive.
Why we love it: The terrace is symbolically immersed in Ventnor. Not only does The Terrace attract locals and guests to its bar lounge for curated drinks and snacks, and is well stocked for discerning islanders, it also actively partners with the best dining establishments in town, pairing its takeaway recommendations with sommelier picks. Just make sure you have enough room in your suitcase to take a bottle (case?) or two home.
Kate Pettyfer, Senior Content Editor
Nha Trang, Vietnam
Think about the French Indochina era Vietnam Dark wood shutters, map cabinets, wicker chairs and ceiling fans spinning slowly above a tiled balcony come to mind. All present and correct Alam Cam Ranh HotelIt is a seaside resort located just above the coast of Cam Ranh City, with swimming pools dotted in the garden.
It succeeded in many ways as it broadly evoked memories of the trip itself, which is an added bonus if you don’t actually enjoy reenacting quiet americanwhen all you really want is a flyaway resort where the spa embraces ancient Asian healing traditions, sunrise and sunset yoga classes take place on the ocean-facing lawn, and steaming pho is just one of the many authentic dishes on offer at its many restaurants.
Why we love it: There’s a kids’ club for youngsters ages 4 to 12, mini golf for older kids, and indoor and outdoor movie theaters for great family time.
Martin Dickie, User Experience and Production Editor
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