Lulu Townsend is Founder and Managing Director of Chic Retreats – a website that is passionate about boutique hotels and luxury villas – independently-owned properties where the owners and their carefully selected teams really care about the guests and the service is truly personal.
Forget ratings, rosettes and stars; they are irrelevant when it comes to authentic experiences. A great stay in a hotel is not only about a beautiful room, but also about the people behind the scenes and at front of house who provide really memorable service…
So, with the Easter holiday period now less than a month away, Lulu offers up her top 5 tips for a perfect Easter getaway – whether that’s in the heart of the English countryside, on the snow-topped slopes of Switzerland or under the Italian sunshine.
Best for sun and sea: Masseria Ceratonia
A stunning boutique hotel in Puglia just minutes from the Gallipoli Coast, Masseria Ceratonia is the perfect location for treating the mind, body and soul. Olive groves and pine trees greet you as you approach, and once inside, you’ll be blown away by the little luxuries and details that make this place so special. Enjoy 24-hour access to the hotel’s pool, as well as your very own set of beach towels and loungers, or take advantage of the hotel’s luxurious one-bedroom boat, which can be rented for the day and overnight. There’s also a host of dining options, from a candlelit dinner at the poolside to a private barbecue with your very own chef.
Why we love it: Masseria Ceratonia is simply an Italian paradise, blessed by gorgeous sun and sea – a place where you can truly get away from it all in real comfort, with each aspect of the hotel making sure your holiday is tailor-made to you.
Best of British: Lime Wood
One of the UK’s finest luxury country house hotels, if you don’t fancy leaving the UK this Easter, Lime Wood certainly offers an unforgettable stay. Tucked away within the New Forest, this beautifully restored Regency country house combines traditional materials and decorative features with a splash of the contemporary. Relax at the Herb House Spa, offering a Technogym, holistic and Ayurvedic therapies, a sauna and an indoor pool, or enjoy some fresh air in the surrounding woodland with a choice of jogging, hiking and cycling trails. Lime Wood also offers some excellent dining options, including the brasserie-style The Scullery and Hartnett Holder & Co, a relaxed restaurant serving fresh, plentiful and homemade food.
Why we love it: In every detail, Lime Wood offers the finer things in life, from the antique furnishings to the stunning surrounding scenery, truly making it the best of British.
Best for skiing: Hotel Bellerive Zermatt
A family-run boutique hotel offering a warm welcome from the snow-topped mountains of Zermatt, boasting 4000m alpine peaks, ski runs for all abilities and a host of hiking trails. There’s also a range of other winter activities to try in the village, from ice skating to sledding and bowling, and outside of winter, there’s still plenty of activities to get involved in, including gold, tennis, paragliding and mountain biking. If you’re just looking to unwind, ease your weary muscles in the sauna, followed by a relaxing massage. Breakfast also offers a feast of foods to help fuel your active day – indulge in a selection of cereals, breads, jams, meats, fruits and cheeses.
Why we love it: There’s simply so much to do here, with the choice of activities really top-notch, while it also has relaxation in the heart of the Swiss Alps down to a tee.
Best for city breaks: CasaCau
Tucked away right in the heart of central Rome, CasaCau contains five contemporary apartments offering the height of luxury, all within a gorgeous 17th century building just minutes from the Trevi Fountain. Here you can enjoy both the home comforts and live like a local, thanks to the expert advice from your hosts Flavia and Kevin, who will advise you on the best hidden corners of the city often overlooked by tourists. CasaCau also own nearby restaurant Stazione di Posta, with the chef, Marco, on hand to suggest seasonal recipes, advise where to head for the best produce or even cook an exclusive dinner for you in your apartment.
Why we love it: You wouldn’t expect to find this haven of Italian luxury tucked away within the bustling streets of central Rome, and yet CasaCau continues to surprise us, shining a spotlight on the real treasures Rome has to offer.
Best for active holidays: Argentario Golf Resort & Spa
Surrounded by ancient woods and olive groves, the Argentario Resort really connects its visitors with the environment and the importance of wellbeing, from the eco-conscious dragonfly-shaped building built from limestone to the plethora of relaxation facilities on offer. Get active by choosing from the gym, golf course, swimming pool, jogging trails or tennis courts, with the nearby beach offering a whole host of water activities. Alternatively, you can relax in pure bliss at the Tuscany Bay Beach Club, offering sun loungers and beachside dining, or the Espace Wellness Centre, where you can truly treat yourself with a steam room, chromotherapy, an indoor pool, sauna and six treatment rooms, as well as an in-house boutique stocking some of the finest goods from Italy.
Why we love it: Offering beautiful countryside and a gorgeous beach, Argentario Golf Resort & Spa offers not only a wealth of outdoor activities but also an excellent opportunity to unwind and treat yourself in the abundance of spa facilities.
