TRAVEL NOTES
Le Grey brings designer luxury to Beirut
The Paris of the Middle East with an edgy local twist, Beirut now has a luxury boutique hotel from the group behind One Aldwych and Duke’s Hotel in London. The sleek and sexy hotel has a rooftop restaurant, with spectacular views out to the Mediterranean and Mount Lebanon and several chic bars, plus a spa. Head to the beaches of Byblos, the ski slopes of Faraya and the magnificent ruins of Baalbek while you’re there. Opening offer: US$315 for two per night in a Deluxe Room. Call +961 1 973 111 or email reservations@legray.com.
Antigua’s Private Island Resort Relaunch
Raising the bar on Caribbean luxury, Rosewood Resorts’ lavish refurb of Antigua’s private island retreat Jumby Bay will include a new open-air spa, 28 new suites, the complete redesign of a dozen guest rooms, and two new, open-air restaurants serving the freshest of food in the chicest of environments. This is one of the Caribbean’s most luscious hideaways. Stay seven nights from £3,830 per person based on two adults sharing, including Virgin flights. To book, call Elegant Resorts on 01244 897517 or go to www.elegantresorts.co.uk.
Boutique Country Manor To Open in New Forest
Designer du jour David Collins is behind the stunning interior of this properly glam Regency manor house in the New Forest. With a Michelin-starred chef in the restaurant, a beautiful spa and rooms containing the likes of hand knotted rugs, silk curtains and free-standing tubs, it’s the ultimate weekend getaway for Londoners in need of some fine food and fresh air. Foraging and yoga classes are additional attractions. Opens 23 Nov, to book, go to
www.limewoodhotel.co.uk.
Wine Adventures in Chile
Travel group explora have launched a new wine travel programme, taking those with a taste for all things oenological into the Alto Cachapoal Valley. You’ll stay at the six-bedroom Casa Porta (an 1875 colonial-style house turned boutique hotel) and enjoy one or two day programmes of tasting sessions at the Viña Porta wineries, which launched its first boutique wines in 1992. Two-day explora wine programmes start from US $240 per person including tour of Casa Porta winery, wine tasting and lunch in Viña Gracia. www.explora.com