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VISIT ENGLAND AND DISCOVER ROMANCE LIKE THE ROYALS

02.15.11

By Sheryll Alexander

Although the love holiday is over, you can still celebrate romance with an entire country as England readies for the marriage of Prince William and Kate Middleton on April 29. Here are some romantic spring offerings that span the length and breadth of this storybook nation.

Shropshire, Heart of England
Located in the historic town of Shropshire with a main manor house dating back to the 18th century, Hadley Park House Hotel and Restaurant may be an ideal choice for the Prince and his bride-to-be, who might wish to view the cozy venue before their wedding. To celebrate the occasion, the hotel is offering a free wedding reception to any couple with their namesake on April 29, 2011.

Surrey and Windsor, South East England
In tribute to the romance between the late Queen Mother and King George VI and their chosen honeymoon destination, William and Kate may be inclined to celebrate at Polesden Lacey, a country estate designed to entice high society, with a notably stunning exterior and art collection, inviting gardens, and superb views across the rolling Surrey hills. A short drive away, at The Savill Garden, Windsor, romantic couples can enjoy horse drawn carriage ride through Windsor Great Park in a cardinal red wedding carriage complete with weatherproof hood.

The Cotswolds, South West England
For a truly regal romantic stay, Lower Slaughter Manor stands aside a historic church in the heart of the fairytale Cotswold village of Lower Slaughter. A two-night stay at this country house offers a luxury suite complete with its own private garden, al fresco hot tub, a bottle of vintage pink Champagne, a bouquet of roses, handmade heart champagne truffles, his and hers luxurious personally-monogrammed bathrobes, a chauffeur-driven tour of the Cotswolds and a “lovers tasting menu,” as well a bespoke diamond ring from Beards of Cheltenham. All of this is offered for the very “royal” price of £9,999 (approximately $15,569.)

Norfolk, East of England
A visit to Norfolk would be a fitting choice for any happy couple. Prince William and his beloved are already very familiar with the area, which is home to the Sandringham Estate (a much-loved country retreat of Her Majesty the Queen). And, this is where Prince William and Kate Middleton made their first public engagement together in December at the Thursford Christmas Spectacular. The Victoria at Holkham offers romantic accommodation just steps away from the golden stretches of sand on the beach at Holkham, featured in the closing scenes of Shakespeare in Love starring Gwyneth Paltrow.

London, England
The Halkin hotel in London is a sanctuary for discrete romance. Located in central London, the hotel features loads of romantic options such as breakfast in bed, dinner at Bluebird restaurant (noted as one of Kate’s favorite dining destinations) and Dans Le Noir (a place where the royal couple is rumored to enjoy romantic dinners since they are served in complete darkness, allowing the couple to dine anonymously). For after dinner cocktails, go to Mahiki, where drinks are made fresh from juices freshly squeezed on site.

Yorkshire Dales, Yorkshire
Located on the 30,000-acre Bolton Abbey Estate, which is owned by the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, The Devonshire Arms Country House Hotel & Spa offers some of the finest luxury accommodation in Yorkshire. The hotel is located in close proximity to the charming riverside, which ideal for enjoying a hand-in-hand walk.

Lindisfarne North East England
Offering couples the chance to truly retreat on their own, the Holy Island of Lindisfarne provides a magical setting perfect for romance since the island is cut off from the Northumberland mainland twice a day by the tide and is accessible only by a causeway. Visitors can wander around the island, which has a population of just over 160, snuggle up in front of a warm fire in one of the island’s pubs, or take an evening stroll along the deserted beach, which looks across to the mainland and Bamburgh Castle.

Lancashire, Northwest England
Renowned for its links with The Royal Family, from Her Majesty the Queen to Princess Diana, The Inn at Whitewall sits proudly above the River Hodder with breathtakingly beautiful views over some of Lancashire’s finest countryside. The rural idyll is part of the Duchy of Lancaster, which is owned by the Queen. Her Majesty has voiced her love of the Trough of Bowland and desire to live there. Bedrooms at the property have recently been refurbished to an impeccable standard and the inn is also well known for its tempting food and drink.

For more romantic ideas and information about visiting England, please visit [url=http://www.visitengland.com]http://www.visitengland.com[/url].

Sheryll Alexander is a lifestyles writer based in Costa Mesa, California.

CANARY HOTEL FOR A RELAXING GETAWAY

02.12.11

Review by Sue Facter

It feels like a dream to be happily sequestered in a beautiful haven at the heart of Santa Barbara just a block away from State Street action. Yes, The Canary Hotel is definitely dreamy and transports each guest to that famous archipelago off the Northern Coast of Africa.

The thought of calling it a neighborhood hotel is daunting as this ETC Hotel it is so much more. Why? Because this 97-room hotel brings the feelings, the sights and the sounds of the Canary Islands to Southern California. (It’s no wonder The Canary’s sister hotel is Santa Monica’s Shutters on the Beach).

Even the grounds at The Canary are lush with tropical plants and the sounds of exotic birds, tree frogs, lizards and crickets.

Lavish Accommodations
At The Canary Hotel, lavish Spanish and Moroccan culture permeates the wainscoted walls and wooden floors. In your guest room, you’ll sleep in a high canopy bed with a shawl placed in just the right spot (before unraveling the chic bedding for sleep). Our suite also had three TVs, a lovely living room and an eclectic selection of books and magazines.

The to-die-for bathroom is well appointed with a candle by the tub, eucalyptus bath salts (by Lather), Spanish tiles and a separate rain shower where a wooden stool holds a towel with cute rubber frog atop.

Although The Canary doesn’t have its own fitness center, all guests are given temporary membership to the state-of-the-art Spectrum Gym, which is located just next door. If meditation is your thing, you can whip out the yoga mat that is discretely stored in your hotel closet.

Need a massage? In-room spa services are provided by Float Luxury Spa.

The Pièce de la Resistance: The Perch
The pièce de la resistance at The Canary Hotel is The Perch. This absolutely stunning rooftop lounge features a fireplace, Jacuzzi, large pool and two sitting areas with 360-degree views of the city, mountains and ocean. While relaxing at the Perch, hotel guests can order room service from the hotel’s in-house restaurant.

Coast Restaurant & Bar
If you are seeking a cozy spot to chill or a romantic dinner, then go downstairs to the hotel’s Coast Restaurant & Bar. Coast has a lovely bar lounge with comfortable chairs and the main dining room has both cozy interior and street view tables. Food from local farms and wharfs comprise the menu. Think crabcakes, charcuterie, grilled flatbreads, braised lamb ravioli, diver scallops, local rock fish and grilled pork chops.

A Neighborhood Walk
The Canary Hotel is located right in the middle of downtown Santa Barbara and within walking distance of the Santa Barbara Museum of Art, Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History (houses Chumash Indian artifacts) and loads of restaurants and shops. The hotel is only a block away from Nordstroms, Betsy Johnson, and Gucci. The harbor and ocean is a mile stroll away.

Sue Facter is a luxury travel aficionado and has credits in USA Today, Women’s Day Australia and publications worldwide. She also consults for ET, The Insider, Extra and Inside Edition. Follow her on Twitter @TheFacter.

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