Can’t decide whether to jet off somewhere hot this month or to go on a scenic adventure here in the UK?
We present two stunning holiday destinations from a beautiful village in the Cotswolds to a picturesque valley in Mallorca.
STAY – THE COTSWOLDS
Quintessentially English villages, tucked away atop the rolling hills – that has been one way to imagine the Cotswolds. Honey-dipped history stretches across the hilly areas, promising a rupture from the city in the form of royal estates and storybook architecture. The quiet elegance of the land culminates in rose-scented gardens, hiking trails and an unmatchable social landscape in the 21st century.
Bordered by Bath and Oxford, to name a few, venturing into the Cotswolds is akin to time travel, stepping into a realm largely untainted by modernity. That vision is just about to change. Put a modern spin on your Cotswolds fairytale as you disconnect from the world and step beyond the glass walls of The Cider Shed, a light-filled barn destined to become your own holiday haven. This slice of tranquillity comes in the form of a contemporary designed cottage, one envisioned to preserve the breath-taking vistas of the area’s famed hills, whilst bringing a modern edge to the countryside.
An extra dose of literary history is inevitable, as holidaymakers will step directly into Laurie Lee’s idyllic world, the barn being located not far from the author’s famous birthplace. Relive the iconic British experience in a romantic stroll across the Slad Valley. The surrounding chocolate box villages harbour some of Britain’s most romantic trails, promising adventures peppered by everything from gastropubs to immaculate English taverns.
With so many royal settlements in the vicinity, you can expect the offering to be fit for a king. One thing remains certain: a stay at Cotswolds’ The Cider Shed will be the perfect dance between history and the contemporary, in an atmosphere so luring you won’t think twice about leaving the city behind.
The Cider Shed, available from £1596 for 7 nights, accommodates 2 at cottages.com.
AWAY – MALLORCA
Twisted picturesque valleys and quintessentially Spanish postcard-perfect villages are only a few temptations of the ever-vibrant Mallorca. Beyond the world-famous beaches and renowned cuisine, the island harbours a landscape of unearthed history, one that is just resurfacing for the modern traveller.
A scenic drive through the Tramuntana Mountains is just the beginning of its discovery, as any adventurers will tell you. Nestling in the countryside behind Pollensa town, with the stunning Tramuntana mountains as a backdrop, Ca’n Pau is a lovely, traditional stone walled finca ideal for a hideaway holiday. To fully take in the beauty of the island, jump behind the wheel where you’ll find exploration at your fingertips. The mountain peak trail circles the unmissable villages of Deià, Fornalutx, Sóller and Valldemossa, in a stretch representative of Mallorca’s diverse history. A deeper dive into the past will lead you to Pollensa, the historic hub of the island and the treasury of its medieval marvels.
Unexpected architectural artistry unfolds in the form of churches and monasteries, a dramatic backdrop that enhances any islander’s romantic breakfast. Immerse yourself in the atmosphere as you unwind with some vino on Plaça Major’s unique terrazas, a venue where history spills into Mallorca’s modern identity. To make the most of your cultural exploration, swing by the monastery of Montision and attempt to overtake the 365 steps climbing the stone staircase up to the Calvari chapel.
The lengthy climb is rewarded with breath-taking vistas every few stairs, the views overlooking both the Bay of Pollensa and Puig de Maria in a full snapshot of the island’s marvels. At the heart of Europe’s most coveted sea, Mallorca buried the secrets of many past histories. From Romans to Islamic conquerors, the land has shed many skins to become the paradise getaway it is today.
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