TRAVEL NOTES
One Fine Stay: trade a hotel room for a luxury home
A new concept for those who want luxury with the personal touch, this clever company allows you to spend nights in some of London’s best homes while the owners are out of town. Prices range from £150 a night for a one bedroom apartment in Marylebone, to £1,000 a night for a grand townhouse in South Kensington. www.onefinestay.com
Gstaad’s new luxury hotel
This Swiss gem of a resort is carefully expanding its hotel offerings with a big new arrival this December in the form of the Alpina Gstaad, a luxury developement that’s taken SFR300m of investment and includes 11 private apartments and 2 private chalets. The hotel is five minutes from Gstaad village and has wondrous valley views. www.alpinagstaad.ch
Truffle hunting in Italy with Palazzo Seneca
Head to Norcia, Italy’s capital of the black truffle, to hunt the fungi in the Sibillini National Park. You’ll follow a professional truffle hunter and his dog and do some cooking with Flavio Faedi, Head Chef at Palazzo Seneca as well as tastings at the wonderful Granaro del Monte and Vespasia restaurants. Package from £292 per person. www.palazzoseneca.com