Kilic Ali Pasa Hamami, Istanbul

If you go for one hammam in Istanbul, make sure it is at Kilic Ali Pasa Hamami. This historic Turkish bath was restored to its former glory eighteen months ago. Dating back to the 1580s, this building has a long and intriguing story to tell. Designed originally by Mimar Sinan, it fell into ruin and it wasn’t until 2005 that Ergin Iren saved this special place as a seven year restoration project. The palatial establishment reopened in 2012 and is now pristine and immaculate in its every detail, the design is simple and minimalist and every aspect is luxurious. It was a great pleasure for me to be able to go inside and experience a tradition that is so important in Turkey’s culture.

It is located in the trendy Karakoy district which with many hip cafes and boutiques is a great area to explore. Before the renovation the bath was only open for men to use. They would come after work or prayer in the mosque to cleanse and socialise. Women are no longer deprived of this treat – since reopening there are allocated hours for men and women to visit separately, they receive the same treatment with staff of the same sex.

I immediately felt a sense of serenity when I entered the cool and calm domed building. The pale refined interior has tables and sofas arranged around a central trickling fountain, all to help you to relax and recuperate. First you are brought a glass of homemade plum juice, a sweet, comforting drink made by the owner’s mother I was told. Then you are given a key and instructed to go upstairs where small changing rooms are arranged with everything you need, and lockers for your possessions. Inside the hammam you are dowsed with warm water and left to lie on the central circular warm stone platform, women were sprawled across it in all positions when I visited, I opted for lying on my back and letting the warm humid air fill my lungs and regulate my breathing. After 20 minutes the staff will scrub you clean and lather you with moisturising soap, washing your face and hair with specialist lotions and potions.

After the session you are wrapped in soft clean towels and guided back to the main entrance. Feeling dehydrated, I gulped down a delicious homemade lemonade wonderfully flavoured with lemon zest. I could have slept there for an hour, I felt so completely relaxed and at ease. Leaving this temple-like building to return to the summer heat outside, I realised how soft and supple my skin was. I felt fresher and cleaner than ever before, and my mind felt much clearer. Revitalising and refreshing, I only wish this kind of spa treatment was more readily available in the UK.

More information here: kilicalipasahamami.com

Grand Hotel Tremezzo, Lake Como

Locals flee Milan in August, desperate to avoid the stifling heat. Many head to the idyllic Lake Como, where the gentle breeze and beautiful views provide the perfect summer retreat. If you do find yourself in the vicinity of the azure waters of Lake Como I can recommend one very special property…

Grand Hotel Tremezzo is family owned and family run. Dating back to 1910, it combines five-star luxury with welcoming and homely service, and is truly one of a kind. Ideally located beside the lake, Grand Hotel Tremezzo has spectacular views of the town of Bellagio, Riviera delle Azalee and the epic Grigne Mountains. The design is elegant and traditionally Italian with gorgeous Art Nouveau features.

There are 80 rooms (some of them overlooking the lake, others offer views of the secular park) plus 4 historical suites and 8 rooftop suites. The new luxurious suites are cleverly hidden on the top floor, ideal for special occasions, private meals and stargazing. Guests are spoilt for choice with dining options: chef Gualtiero Marchesi’s fine cuisine at La Terrazza or the more casual T Pizza and L’Escale Fondue and Wine Bar. We tried the simple but delicious pizza in the hotel gardens, soaking up the sunshine whilst gorging on crispy thin pizza, flavoursome salad and fresh pineapple juice.

The main attraction for me is the unbelievable floating pool. Having admired this unique feature in photos, I was beyond excited to see it for myself, it took my breath away. Arriving by boat, I could see this sky blue pool glistening in the distance. Stepping onto the floating platform is a strange sensation, you remain steady as the structure bobs gently on the lake. Then for an extra treat we were taken out on the lake in the hotel’s water limo, a Venetian motor launch dating back to 1961. With a glass of Prosecco in hand, this was a moment I knew I would cherish long after leaving the lake.

More information and book here: www.grandhoteltremezzo.com

Royal Mansour, Marrakech

“Between mountain and sea, before the imperial cities… Marrakech the sublime.” – Jean Pierre Chaumard

I’d like to say this is a home-away-from-home, but this heavenly property far exceeds my home comforts. At Royal Mansour no expense is spared, it is just how I imagine a palace to be. Every detail illustrates that this accommodation has been designed with the utmost elegance and style, luxurious materials are used inside and out… not just for show but with the sincerest belief in quality and beauty.

Located just inside the old city walls and moments away from the Medina Market, hidden behind a great gated entrance, what you find is the opposite of the chaotic dusty city centre. The property covers over eight acres and is enclosed by its own outer wall, making it feel like a private town itself. Royal Mansour comprises fifty-three private residences (Riads), traditional Moroccan houses with interior courtyards, of varying sizes and characters; no two are the same. Ranging from one to three bedrooms (or four for the extra special Riad d’Honneur), they are suitable for couples or families. I was astounded by the size of our one bedroom superior riad, it took some time to explore our temporary home, let alone observe all the details.

Where do I start describing our riad? It was utterly enchanting. From the imposing heavy door, you could never imagine what awaits you inside. First we passed through the open-air courtyard, tiled patterns beneath our feet, a trickling fountain to our right, and a floral, nostalgic scent in the air. Then to the rooms, of which there were too many to count. I’m sad to say we barely used the sitting room which was exquisitely ornate, with velvet galore and beautiful handcrafted furniture. Up the lantern lit stairs (several flights of them!) our lovely bedroom was waiting for us, thankfully not so huge and cosier in feel, and exuding Moroccan grandeur. Royal Mansour won’t deprive you of your modern necessities, but ensure they are discreetly hidden wherever possible.

We adored our ensuite bathroom, which comes complete with walk-in shower and giant marble bath. I was especially impressed with the marocMaroc toiletries, the first refined skin care line from Morocco. It was the first time in a hotel that I have used products this good. Smelling delicious, and ensuring super-soft skin and hair, they felt healthy and luxurious.

Carrying on up another stairway, we reached our final destination, perhaps the most exciting floor of all. Every riad includes a roof terrace with wonderful views of the city, the gardens or the Atlas Mountains, that allows guests to enjoy the sunshine and warmth from the comfort of their own private sanctuary. Each has its own plunge pool, sunbeds and fireplace, and the larger riads also feature outside dining areas and Moroccan tents. This is where most of the guests spend their time.

Despite the size, there is a charming intimacy and natural peace. The service was far beyond my expectations… with an underground network of tunnels, staff are not seen and not heard, but magically attend to your every need. With service doors on each floor of every riad, whatever you desire is delivered to you no matter where you are. Inspecting the tunnels, I could hardly believe how clever and well thought out the organisation is.

After spending a few hours enjoying all our riad had to offer, we ventured out to explore the rest of the property; we barely spied any other guests indicating just how exclusive Royal Mansour is. For further relaxing there is a spa and pool, with numerous treatment possibilities and relaxing facilities. When it comes to food, if you manage to resist the butler room service, there are several bars, lounges and restaurants to choose between. Open all day, La Table serves Mediterranean cuisine in an airy dining room or on a terrace al fresco. For something smarter, Royal Mansour’s two fine-dining restaurants sit together within their own building. There is French or traditional Moroccan to choose between, both supervised by renowned chef Yannick Alleno. The highlight of our dinner at La Grande Table Marocaine was the creative starters, the perfectly crisp pastillas are still a fond memory.

When we finally rose from our comforting bed, we wandered down to have breakfast on the terrace. Overlooking the turquoise outdoor pool, we feasted on Parisian style breakfast, except that it tasted better than any morning meal I’ve had in Paris. The flakiest croissants, accompanied by the sweetest juice, and French toast that both looked and tasted truly incredible.

Though this palatial property is decorated with the most authentic Moroccan design and decor – this is certainly not a traditional hotel. I promise, there is nowhere quite like it on earth.

More information here.

www.royalmansour.com/