British Travel Journal

With the spring and summer ahead and hotels and restaurants revived, it is time to fix up those exciting travel plans we have all been dreaming of. And, if our Travel News pages (p9) are anything to go by, 2022 is set to be an incredible year. From staying in a luxurious castle estate in Northern Ireland (p66) to a wellness retreat like no other in North Devon (p38), from the finest countryside farmhouse located in the heart of Sark (p72) to the supercool ‘active relaxation’ hotel situated on the shores of Ullswater (p24) – there’s simply no shortage of inspiration. If it is memorable experiences you are seeking then look no further than our Unique Luxury Breaks (p48) from sea safaris to classic cars, lake swimming and waterfalls, and…

EDINBURGH New Hotels This city offshoot from the Queen of Scottish country house hotels could be Edinburgh’s answer to London’s The Ned. With a wellness area in the old bank vault and a swish restaurant in the former banking hall beneath a spectacular domed ceiling, the hotel capitalises on the building’s former life as the Bank of Scotland HQ. It’s full of cornicing and columns, original fireplaces and panelling, with canopy crown headboards in the bedrooms. A rooftop bar will be the place to see and be seen. Rooms from £495.  gleneagles.com…

LOCH LOMOND Views of the bonny banks of Loch Lomond are the highlight of this restored baronial manor hotel, which re-opened last year following a fire in 2017. The renovation has been designed to bring the outdoors in, with views all the way from check-in and the new lobby bar to bedrooms with private balconies. Historic details blend seamlessly with contemporary comforts. Expect public rooms with striking black lacquered panelling highlighted by antique brass features, and bedrooms with Timorous Beasties fabric headboards, sumptuous velvets and tartans. A new lochside extension with a ballroom is still to come. Rooms from £265 with breakfast. ◆ cameronhouse.co.uk…

LONDON Talk about a pool with a view. Overlooking the iconic chimneys of the Grade II listed power station, this hotel’s infinity pool alone will make a splash when it opens in late summer. You’ll get similar electrifying views from some of the 164 rooms within and from the rooftop bar and gardens, which were designed by the same folk who mapped out New York’s High Line. Reached via the new extension of the Northern Line, the art’otel will feature works designed by a Signature Artist, whose name, along with room rates, has yet to be announced. Watch this space. ◆ artotellondonbattersea.com…

BUCKINGHAMSHIRE Chill out at the new H Spa which has just been added to this historic Grade II listed hotel as part of a £6 million refurbishment. With a 15-metre indoor pool surrounded by heated beds, the spa features treatments using Caudalie’s vinotherapy range. Pick from an Express D-Vine Facial, an exfoliating Crushed Cabernet Body Treatment or perhaps a Fleur de Vigne Candle Massage. You can visit for the day and enjoy lunch or afternoon tea, and a 50-minute treatment from £159, or stay the night, with an additional £30 credit towards dinner and bed and breakfast, from £229 per person. ◆ horwoodhouse.co.uk New spa…

THE COTSWOLDS Allelulah! Church-going just got seriously stylish, with this property for four in Paxford. The stained-glass windows, original doors and beamed, vaulted ceilings are still there, with a world of contemporary chic within. A designer kitchen opens onto the living and dining areas while a glass and steel staircase leads to a mezzanine bedroom with views of the church interior through a glazed screen. A second bedroom on the ground floor has a freestanding bath. And, praise the Lord, there’s a gastro pub over the road too. Three nights from £1,180. ◆ ruralretreats.co.uk…