Where to go post exams..
Whether you’re planning to go away with your children or they’re planning to go away with their friends here are some great options for post GCSEs and A Levels.
Borgo 69, Tuscany
New for 2022 is Borgo 69 a collection of 12 sustainable villa suites surrounded by olive trees, overlooking a shared infinity pool. Created by the owners of Tuscany’s renowned boutique hotel Villa Fontelunga, Borgo 69’s 1–3-bedroom luxury villas come with a beautiful private landscaped garden or terrace, state-of-the-art kitchen, and chic open plan living space. Each bedroom has its own en-suite bathroom, air conditioning, Wi-Fi, entertainment system and open fire to see you through the cooler months. Breakfast is included and can be enjoyed in the on-site restaurant or enjoyed in the privacy of your ‘home away from home’. Also new for 2022 is Borgo 69’s restaurant Emporio di Ines which showcases typical Tuscan dishes with a modern twist, using locally sourced, seasonal produce.
Rates from €450 per night. Min 3-night stay.
www.fontelungatuscancollection.com
Westcroft Guesthouse, Cornwall
Owner Sarah has created the perfect hideaway in this forgotten corner of Cornwall; the attention to detail, passion and love put into the running of this gem is a rarity. Think warmed coffee cups, six plump pillows on your bed and pre-stamped envelopes in your room. With the beach right on the doorstep and sea air on tap, you'll fall asleep as soon as your head hits the pillow! There's a minimum two night stay but you have the option to take over the four-bedroom house in its entirety for a week, making it the ideal post exam holiday with some great pubs and restaurants nearby. Filling the whole of the first floor and overlooking the bay, there's a pretty four poster suite which comes with its own large sitting room. The romantic clocktower suite spreads across the entire top floor of the house; featuring an antique French bed and large en-suite with underfloor heating and roll top bath, the elegant Penlee Suite is on the second floor which boasts a charming en-suite bathroom with rolltop bath and marble floor. Live like a local and take a refreshing morning dip in the sea or grab a surfboard and ride the waves.
Rates from £100 per night B&B. Exclusive rental on request.
Teatro Greco Historic House, Sicily
Located in the best pedestrian area of Taormina, Teatro Greco Historic House is a stunning medieval palazzo sleeping up to 10 people across three main bedrooms, one semi-private and one bedroom with two sofa beds. This luxurious hideaway is just a short walk from the Greek theatre, Corso Umberto and Taormina’s shops, cafés and restaurants. The bedrooms feature stylish interiors and have gorgeous en-suite Italian bathrooms, adding to the feeling of the Italian "dolce vita". Just a short walk away is sister hotel Hotel Villa Carlotta which has one of the best restaurants (and views) in town and a small pool you can use. A fantastic option for two families to take over.
Vino Houses are a collection of three contemporary villas in Oia that were built in 2016 with much love by the owners. Each of the villas feel like a home away from home for everyone that stays here and there is always someone to warmly welcome you on your arrival with a big smile. The fully equipped villas are the perfect choice for a family holiday; two sleep up to four and the third sleeps up to five guests. The villas overlook traditional vineyards and the Mediterranean Sea, enjoying the famous sunsets and sunrises of Santorini. You don’t need to worry about a thing during your stay; laundry service, daily cleaning, private massages and private parking are all available.
Rates from €220 per night. Min 2-night stay.
Casa Céu, Portugal
Casa Céu is a great summer option for families with A’ Level children. This charming adult-only bed and breakfast is located in the heart of the old town of Olhão just 20 minutes east of Faro. The four chic bedrooms, each one named after a Portuguese tree, are individually designed and decorated with contemporary artwork. Breakfast is a daily-changing feast including seven-seed bread and homemade tarts, served on the roof terrace which enjoys far-reaching views across the town. Enjoy daily trips to the nearby islands with their white sandy beaches and rustic beach bars. Book early to avoid disappointment!
Peter de Savary opens two new exciting properties for Easter; Dittisham Hideaway and Tremaine Manor. One offering quirky, unusual and back to nature relaxation in Dartmouth, South Devon, the other offering traditional, characterful charm in Looe, South Cornwall. Rates from £150 www.thehotelguru.com
Palazzo Passerini in Cortona, Tuscany, opens its doors in May. Sleeping up to 6 people Palazzo Passerini has been re-designed and renovated with only the best local materials, products and artisan and is the ideal private place to stay in Cortona with its own private entrance. Rates from €595 min. 3-night stay. www.palazzopasserini.com
