Spring into the City
Spring is here and with it the season of the city break! We’ve gathered together some our favourite destinations and what we love about them.
Madrid
Bonni: “Nothing beats the tapas and a cold bear at the San Miguel market in the warm sunshine, followed by a walk around Retiro Park. Hire a car and go up to the mountains – visit Valle de los Caidos and El Escorial, the monastery and historic residence of the King of Spain.
“Stay in the beautiful, boutique Hotel Unico. It is situated on Madrid’s ‘Golden Mile’, a great cosmopolitan area and has a fantastic two Michelin starred restaurant. Don’t forget to visit the Prado to see its unrivalled collection of Spanish art.”
Florence
Dani: “My favourite city break involved staying in the Affresco Suite at Il Salviatino so I got the best of both worlds – stunning Tuscan countryside and only 15 minutes from the city centre and the almost overpowering list of galleries and museums on offer.”
New York
James: “The sun is always shining in New York – even though it can be bitterly cold and snowing, it’s hard to find a non sunny day. And the food… so much amazing choice everywhere! My latest favourite haunt is a small Vietnamese cafe called Saigon Shack. It’s basic and you have to queue to sit at a bench but the Pho is to die for and $9. That’s what is great about having time in NYC. You can find the best places at amazing prices. It is not all fancy, touristy and expensive but you can find that too depending on your mood.
“Stay in The Standard – a super buzzy downtown location with great shops and restaurants and even the new High Line park attached to it.”
Oporto
Louisa: “The home of port, Oporto is a gorgeous town found at the mouth of the Duoro River on the west coast of Portugal. I love the Yeatman Hotel – the food and drink are amazing and excellent value. This town is great combined with a trip to Six Senses Douro Valley.”
Hong Kong
Lisa: “For me it is Four Seasons Hong Kong. I love the location on the harbour watching star ferries bobbing by and the wonderful back drop of the peak. The hotel has an incredible spa and Michelin star Lung King Heen restaurant. A couple of lengths of the roof top pool with the buzz and the noise of the cars and trams below makes for a great escape after a busy day shopping and sight seeing!”
Berlin
Elanor: “Visit Berlin for an offbeat arty vibe and the incredible history that can be felt all over the city. A symbol of the old and new there is almost too much to see – the Brandenburg Gate, the former border between East and West, the Unter den Linden Avenue… not to mention the excellent restaurants, fantastic shopping and world renowned night life.
“Stay in Das Stue for its stylish, quirky feel and wonderful position overlooking Berlin Zoo. The destination Michelin star restaurant is also fantastic.”
