Bank Holiday Escapism

Since it seems that that age-old dilemma – “to Carnival or not to Carnival?” – might be taken out of our hands this year (thank you thieving little blighters), we thought we’d whip up a few alternatives for Bank Holiday escapes that are a little more luxurious. Well, any excuse for some last minute sun, sea and escapism.

Bags packed, credit card itching, sun requirements set to max? Then read on…

LONG HAUL PARTY: Le Gray, Beirut

Chic, sharp, and perfectly positioned in downtown Beirut, Le Gray makes an unbeatable starting point for exploring the local beaches or diving straight into the city’s increasingly infamous nightlife scene (what with their Momo and Whisky Mist to name but a few). With the temperature hitting a solid 30 degrees at the mo, when you’re not out sunning beachside, the hotel’s rooftop infinity pool is hard to beat as a pre-club warm-up, bubbly in hand. On top of that, they’re also running a Summer in Beirut package till the end of the month with complimentary room upgrade, access to a slew of local beach clubs, a night’s dinner and wine, plus 20% spa discount.

The Summer in Beirut package costs from £829 for two people for three nights.

OTTOMAN RELAXATION: The Istanbul Edition, Istanbul

The second offering from this rapidly-growing Marriott and Schrager boutique sub-group, the 15-floor Istanbul Edition offers a luxurious blend of Ottoman-infused style and pure modern comfort that’s hard to beat. Set in the Levent district on the European side of the city, the golden-hued interior cries opulence, intimacy and calm and each of the 78 guest rooms are suite-sized giving you plenty of space to stretch out. We say, take that a step further and slip into the opulent bronze-and-wood 20,000 square, foot three-storey ESPA spa, complete with luxurious treatment rooms and its own VIP suite. The in-house Cirpriani restaurant isn’t too shoddy either!

Superior rooms start at £215

GOLDEN OLDIE: Cava Togoo, Mykonos

Whilst not the newest kid on the boutique block, Mykonos’ chic Cava Togoo and its myriad charms fits firmly into oldie-but-goodie territory. Built directly into a cliffside, it’s hard not to be awed by the architecture alone. But the real pull for us is the infinity pool that stretches out directly over the sea: relaxing with a cocktail, staring out as the sun slowly sets into the horizon, it’s easy to imagine you’re adrift in the Med itself. So whether you’re craving the island’s nightlife or are just dying for a few days on its secluded beaches, with a three night minimum and rooms still available, Cava Togoo is crying out for a last minute Bank Holiday escape.

Deluxe rooms from £525

RUSTIC ESCAPISM: Hotel Raya, Panarea

With just 30 rooms and spectacular views of the Aeolian sea and volcanic island of Stromboli, Hotel Raya has attained cult-like status among the fashion-pack. Guests covet the magical feel of Panarea Island, the lack of cars and TV, the stylish boutiques and the tranquility generated by the surrounding hibiscus, lentos and olive trees. And then there’s the volcanic water infinity pool. A simply stunning location to enjoy breakfast, lounge in the sun or enjoy cocktails and the sunset whilst reclining on antique Persian rugs.

Rooms from £475

BUBBLES ON THE ROAD: Royal Champagne, Champagne

A little bit of old school chintz-glam never hurt anyone – but especially so when it’s in Champagne! Taking the Chunnel, the Royal Champagne hotel is only a 250-odd mile drive door-to-door, making for a perfect quick-hit weekend escape. Just at the edge of Épernay, the classically cosy hotel makes an ideal base from which to explore the joys of the area (and top up the old bubbly reserves back home, natch). Book a suite with that someone special – or just go group and book out – then give the chaps at Wine Liasons a shout to introduce you to the finest local champagne families, with inimitable old grandmothers and their kitchens full of the finest Grand Crus before the harvest kicks off in early-September and they close-up shop.

Double Classic Rooms from £230

BOOK NOW – for Peckham car-park rooftop Frank’s Café taken over by The Clove Club & Young Turks. Aug 22-24. 95A Rye Lane, SE15 4ST.

ENJOY – a night of whisky-infused gastro-love at Shacklewell Nights’ hidden dining experience. Thurs, Aug 18. 76 Stoke Newington Rd, N16 7BT.

BOOK AHEAD – as designer Fred Butler screens her influence, ‘The Cockettes’ with Test Mag. Aug 25. Town Hall Hotel, Patriot Square, E2 9NF.

SEE – Paul Bower’s latest art work hosted by The Sanderson. Thurs, Aug 18.
Art Space – Sanderson Hotel, 50 Berners Street, W1T 3NG.