Tag Archives: bed and breakfast

Masseria Moroseta, Puglia

Posted on by

The Puglia aesthetic is made for Instagram, and nowhere more so than Masseria Moroseta, the stunning, minimalist bed & breakfast, found on the outskirts of Ostuni. This area of Southern Italy is blessed with magical light year-round and beautiful white architecture, making it a lovely European destination to travel to out of season. I visited at the end of September, a blissful mini-break to enjoy a few last rays of sunshine before the cold British winter.

Masseria MorosetaMasseria MorosetaMasseria Moroseta

Masseria Moroseta opened this year, a quiet rural sanctuary and base for visitors wishing to explore the area. The building was designed by Andrew Trotter, who spent 3 years perfecting this elegant retreat. The white stone farmhouse is modern in decor and feel, but traditional in design, using local materials and techniques to ensure the building fits with the surroundings. Set amongst 5 hectares of organic olive trees (some of which are up to 500 years old), with a view of the distant sea.

Masseria MorosetaMasseria MorosetaMasseria Moroseta

Everything is set around the central courtyard, a salon and veranda offer a comfortable shelter from the sun, while a discreet white staircase leads to the roof terrace, the perfect place for a sunset aperitif. There is an outdoor kitchen and BBQ for al fresco dining and I imagine the large pool with deckchairs is a popular place in the heat of the summer months… I loved sitting here with a Aperol Spritz.

Masseria MorosetaMasseria Moroseta

The 6 rooms and suites and chic and stylish, pared-back luxury and a cool environment to spend time in. Where possible old-fashioned light fittings and vintage bathroom doors have been added in to add character and charm. These thoughtful additions contrast with the fresh contemporary furniture and materials used throughout. The bathroom was small but effective, with a powerful rain shower and homemade Italian toiletries.

Masseria MorosetaMasseria Moroseta

Breakfast is served each morning on the communal veranda. We were pleased to find a feast of regional fruit and cakes, yoghurt and cereal at the table accompanied with coffee and freshly made smoothies. Before there was time to be full, just-out-the-pan creamy scrambled eggs arrived with delicious roasted vegetables and toast.

I fell in love with this peaceful Puglia masseria, and found it very difficult to leave. With the destination of southern Italy rising in popularity rapidly, and Instagram filling up with photos of this picture-perfect farmhouse… I urge you to book before everyone else does!

More information and book a room here.

Minaret Lodge, Wanaka

Posted on by

After a few days exploring the very wet West Coast I was pleased to arrive in picturesque Wanaka, a sunnier town in one of New Zealand’s most famous wine regions. Driving in past the wondrous sapphire-blue Lake Hawea, you can see why this area is a favourite with tourists year round. In summer, visitors flock to taste wine and hike in the sunshine, whilst the winter brings regular snowfall for keen skiers. Queenstown is just one-hour drive away and the popular Siberia experience is also nearby.

Minaret Lodge is a charming bed and breakfast on the outskirts of Wanaka town. It is owned and run by Gary and Fran, a hospitable couple who transformed their holiday home in 2001 to accommodate travellers looking for a little luxury on their trip. Without the formalities of a hotel, this boutique option will make you feel immediately relaxed and at home.

minaret lodge

There are just six chalet suites, located in the garden, each with one or two bedrooms, a living area, kitchenette and bathroom. They are cosy and well designed with every amenity you could need. For Lord of the Rings fans, the Barliman’s room (which opened in 2002) is a unique option. The cabin has been carefully designed inside and out to pay homage to the iconic New Zealand films, and features oversized furniture, Lord of the Rings books and memorabilia and quirky round doorframes just like the homes in Hobbiton.

I enjoyed a stay in the Wilkin room, named after one of the rivers that run into Lake Wanaka. The room had a farmhouse chic feel, with plenty of natural light and lavish soft furnishings. I loved the bed, which was particularly wonderful, with plenty of plump pillows and an indulgently warm blanket. The petite bathroom was kitted out with a powerful modern shower and Koha Spa toiletries were provided.

The main house is used for complimentary canapés & wine tasting each evening and in the morning guests are invited in to enjoy a communal gourmet breakfast, prepared by Gary. It was all delicious… roasted vegetable frittata, freshly baked bread, juice and coffee.

Sadly I only spent one night at Minaret Lodge so couldn’t take advantage of all the included extras. With each stay guests are offered complimentary laundry, mountain bike hire and use of the wood fire sauna and spa jet pool. For additional cost Gary and Fran can arrange a massage with an experienced masseuse or a three-course dinner including local wine pairing. I was pleased, however, to accept the kind free pick-up and drop-off service to town.

Minaret Lodge is a relaxing haven in a beautiful part of the country, and it was the personal touches that make a stay at this luxury bed and breakfast so memorable.

More information and book a stay at Minaret Lodge here.

Bickleigh Castle, Devon

Posted on by

Bickleigh Castle in Devon is a popular wedding venue but we found this historic hotel ideal for a relaxing weekend away from London. The expansive grounds are beautiful especially in the morning mist, it was immediately obvious to me why so many people choose this place as the location to celebrate their special day.

Just a few hours drive from London, the tranquillity and quiet will instantly calm you. I found the clean fresh air invigorating, after a brief walk through the stunning grounds I felt healthier and happier. Bickleigh Castle offers guest accommodation with 17 bedrooms (twin and double) in newly renovated thatched cottages. Each cottage has its own character, picturesque and pretty, fully furnished with tea and coffee making facilities. For the bride and groom a very special room in the castle is available, completing their fairy-tale weekend. The cottage rooms are homely but luxurious, with soft fabrics in muted colours and fresh pretty décor.

The owners at Bickleigh are very hands on and passionate about their impressive property. Recognising the importance of unique tailored weddings, they ensure every couple receives exemplary personalised service, no challenge is too much, every wedding dream can be realised here. We stayed one night at Bickleigh, visiting a nearby pub for a tasty supper and enjoying a lazy morning at the castle. Our room was very comfortable, with a bath and shower and complimentary toiletries. After a long deep sleep and a cup of tea, we wandered downstairs where guests can enjoy a simple continental breakfast or tuck into a more indulgent full English. After toast and coffee, we were treated to a full tour of the epic site. The castle is full of gems, historic artefacts, paintings and interesting details that illustrate its amazing history. I loved the little chapel, with stunning stained glass windows and a gorgeous little organ. Aside from exploring, it was interesting to learn about the castle’s eventful past, about which our tour guide was impressively informed.

Castles have always been mysterious museums to me, historically important and inspiring buildings for seeing but not touching. At Bickleigh Castle you have the rare and special opportunity to stay in the idyllic grounds only moments away from the epic castle. The perfect location for a wedding or a lovely weekend away.

Visit the Bickleigh Castle website for more information and to book here.

http://www.bickleighcastle.com/