I always find March is the time of year for getaway planning. Whether it's a last-minute jaunt to a short-haul European city, a perfectly planned luxury mini break or my annual jaunt to Ibiza, I know the next few weeks are crucial in my year of travel. With this week's news of launches and openings, I think that might be my summer sorted...
Springtime at Amsterdam's New Pulitzer
As if the visually stunning bulb fields of Keukenhof aren't enough of a reason to visit Amsterdam in the springtime, the city's renowned Pulitzer Amsterdam hotel reopened its doors last month after phase one of an extensive restoration.
With a rich tapestry of history woven through the walls of the hotel, housed in 25 interlinking canal properties, the 80 redesigned guest rooms (no two are the same - pictured top right is the Pulitzer Suite) feature original and historic features blended with modern luxuries, all inspired by the hotel's past and the traditions of the Dutch capital. With quirky in-room touches such as vintage telephone and bike repair sets, they capture the very essence of what makes Amsterdam so wonderful.
Add the new restaurant, Jansz.(pictured top left), and cocktail bar (Pulitzer's Bar) into the mix, and you have yourself set up for a wonderful weekend away. The second phase of the restoration is due for completion this Autumn, where both sides of the hotel come together with 225 rooms, a decadent lobby and the serene Pulitzer Garden.
www.pulitzeramsterdam.com
The Four Seasons Prague to Open New Spa
Another city that's forever been on my to-do list, Prague is definitely one for 2016 upon discovering the Four Seasons Hotel (pictured bottom left) will be opening a new spa this June.
Combining local traditions with the latest in luxury pampering, the new spa will be set in an historic Neo-Classical building overlooking the majestic Prague Castle. the Spa at Four Seasons Hotel Prague is being designed in synergy with the Hotel's décor and will offer authentic local spa and wellbeing experiences. Unique in Prague, facial and body treatments will be infused with beauty secrets indigenous to Old World Europe. Based on water and mineral rich products, treatments are enhanced with state-of-the-art thermal baths and a vitality pool.
Only here, clients will find an authentic Central European spa experience. Exclusive facial and body treatments with moor muds and a relaxing and healing thermal bath menu. The new Spa will feature five treatments rooms, including a couple’s suite, two spa baths and a vitality pool in addition to separate steam and sauna rooms and a lounge area.
The Spa’s design took inspiration from the Hotel’s décor and will feature natural materials, including wood, glass and stone; and characteristic ceiling arches, tiling and stencilling. The carefully implemented design and bespoke furnishings reflect the quality of the architecture native to the building, while the design approach has been adapted to emphasise a relaxing and revitalising experience for Spa guests.
Whilst the exact planned opening date is still to be confirmed, it should be receiving guests this summer. Stay tuned!
www.fourseasons.com/prague
Formentera Yoga's New Balearic Retreats
I'm not going to lie, my four previous holidays to Ibiza have always been more of the partying variety than the R&R variety, though with the announcement of Formentera Yoga's new retreats for 2016 this may be the year that all changes.
With the island being undoubtedly one of the gems of the Mediterranean (think white sand beaches and crystal clear waters that wouldn't be amiss in Thailand), Formentera (pictured bottom right) is the chilled little sister to Ibiza's raving teen. This collection of healthy holidays for the ultimate well-being getaways; five-day retreats that include a series of high quality yoga classes set in an award-winning five star location and taught by founder Jax Lysycia.
Suitable for everyone from beginners to experience yogis, the retreats run from April to October and welcome individuals, groups of friends or families; anything goes. Think sunrise meditation walks along the beach-boardwalk of the island’s nature reserve, daily sunrise yoga sessions, delicious and nutritious food and days spent relaxing in a poolside hammock with nothing but a book for company. After a hedonistic week on Ibiza this might be just what the doctor ordered...
www.formenterayoga.com
