Category: hotels

Belfast’s Hidden Gem: Culloden Estate and Spa

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An elegant retreat just minutes from the center of Belfast

Set on 12 acres of beautifully maintained grounds and overlooking the Belfast Lough, Culloden Estate and Spa offers a country estate-feel a short drive from the center of Belfast. I really do mean a short drive. Culloden is 10 minutes from the George Best City Airport and about 15 minutes from the center of this thriving city. Read on to learn more about this hidden gem following my recent stay.

  1. A Blend of Gothic and Modern Style
  2. Suites and Rooms
  3. Dining and Restaurants
  4. Culloden Estate & Spa Exterior and Grounds
  5. Spa and Fitness Center
  6. Activities
  7. Book Culloden Estate and Spa

A Blend of Gothic and Modern Style

Built in the 1800’s as the official residence for the Bishops of Down, this five-star hotel now features 98 perfectly appointed rooms and suites. The main building’s public areas reflect a mélange of Gothic grandeur with high ceilings, ornate fireplaces, and chandeliers, while the suites and rooms showcase modern luxury.  

Lest I sound like I’m writing a brochure, I have to tell you what I LOVED about Culloden Estate. It’s a rare hotel that can blend elegance and finesse with comfort and warmth. Culloden could write the book on this, never mind the brochure.

You won’t find a warmer welcome than you will receive at Culloden Estate and Spa, but you will find cozy nooks and crannies amid a sense of space as you explore.   Sit a while to read or enjoy the artwork in the drawing room. Plan to take afternoon tea in the delightful Bishop’s Parlour or cozied up to the window overlooking the grounds. Enjoy a tipple in the Lough Bar with its comfortable seating areas. Head to Vespers, the award-wining restaurant, replete with whiskey on the breakfast buffet. But more about that later…

Are you getting the picture? Culloden Estate and Spa offers a rural stately feel while being minutes from one of the UK’s most upcoming cities.  It is top notch and elegant, but with a relaxed and warming vibe. This is very much my kind of place.

Suites and Rooms

My travel partner and I stayed in the Bishop Suite, located on the corner of the top floor thus offering expansive views over the Belfast Lough through its large windows. The comfortable sitting room is the perfect spot to enjoy said views, although I know my husband would have been very happy to simultaneously watch the huge TV.

Anyone who knows me is aware of my obsession with hotel bathrooms. The Bishop Suite did not disappoint. The bathroom was huge with a large tub and separate shower, and plenty of heating, a much-appreciated boon in period properties.

The Bishop Suite is one of a variety of suites at Culloden Estate and Spa. If your budget allows, I strongly recommend making the upgrade to a suite. We were so comfortable that we didn’t even want to leave. So, we ordered room service the first night and watched movies.

We slept with the curtains open to enjoy the sunrise over the Lough. The Bishop Suite is a true haven within a haven.

Dining and Restaurants

Culloden Estate and Spa’s main restaurant is Vespers, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. For the latter, there is a perfectly curated eight-course tasting menu that screams “locally sourced” with County Fermanagh beef and lamb, Kilkeel scallop, wild North Atlantic turbot. But that is true of every meal because Culloden takes provisioning very, very seriously.

From the “regular” lunch and dinner menu to the ample breakfast spread, your food will not have traveled more than two hours to reach you. Just to clarify, I’m not saying that the kitchen is really slow but rather, with only six counties in Northern Ireland, any locally sourced products will not have traversed far to get to your plate.

Breakfast is served buffet style and includes a full Irish,* breads, fruit, smoothies, kippers, charcuterie and more. And it’s local. There is actually a booklet on your breakfast table detailing each of the purveyors, right down to the oats for your porridge.

Speaking of oatmeal, a bottle of Bushmills Irish Whiskey sits right next to the tureen in case you want to pep up your porridge. This could be particularly helpful during cold winter months (I was brought up to add a spot of whisky to my tea on freezing cold mornings. It didn’t always go down terribly well on the school bus).

Culloden Estate is known for its afternoon tea and we were delighted to partake of the Mother’s Day version. I’m a bit of a stickler because I used to own a tea room and I still teach afternoon tea history and etiquette classes to children and adults. Culloden’s hit all the spots with a variety of loose-leaf teas (and Prosecco) to accompany the fayre. I recommend taking tea in the Bishop’s Parlour, or a window seat overlooking the grounds if you can nab one.

The other dining venue is the Inn at Cultra, located on the grounds, so you get the feel of actually going out to the pub. It’s warm and welcoming with elevated pub grub and classics, including an excellent Sunday lunch. There is also an à la carte breakfast menu if you aren’t up to Vespers’ buffet. The Inn at Cultra is very popular and books up fast so consider making a reservation.

Head to the Lough Bar in the main building for a night cap, or an aperitif before dinner at Vespers. This comfortable spot offers a lighter menu which is also available on Room Service.

With two restaurants offering three meals a day, as well the afternoon tea and bar services, you are not going to be stuck, other than for choice, when dining at Culloden Estate and Spa.

* A full Irish breakfast consists of bacon, bangers (sausages), eggs, grilled tomatoes, baked beans, and black pudding, all dished up with toast. Nothing will set you up better for a day of exploring Belfast and the Antrim coast.

Culloden Estate & Spa Exterior and Grounds

The grounds of Culloden Estate and Spa are a destination in their own right, offering sweeping vistas, world-class art, and luxurious indulgence. We took a leisurely stroll through the landscaped gardens, yet I could easily have sat with a good book for an hour or two while quietly enjoying the view.

As you follow the winding paths, you might be surprised by the occasional sculpture from the “Art & Soul” outdoor exhibition, a captivating permanent feature presented in collaboration with Gormleys Fine Art. Each piece is thoughtfully integrated into the landscape with the goal of creating a harmonious and inspiring dialog between art and nature.

We were there about a month too early for the Bollinger Champagne Garden, which runs from May to September. Imagine relaxing in the stunning grounds, savoring a glass of “Bolli” while munching on a selection from the gourmet “Posh Pizza” menu: the perfect way to idle away a glorious afternoon.

Spa and Fitness Center

Speaking of idling away, the spa was a huge draw for me, as always. We were there one of the busiest weekends of the year (Mother’s Day), but my travel partner scored the last spot for a treatment and enjoyed an 80-minute Bamboo Joint Release Experience. I was a little worried that they were going to flagellate her with bamboo, but thankfully that wasn’t the case. The bamboo is used to assist with stretching and joint release. The treatment got a thumbs up.

I enjoyed use of the spa facility which is complimentary for hotel guests. The thermal suite includes a pool, sauna, steam room, hot tub and experiential shower. There’s also a state- of-the-art work out room and complimentary exercise classes that include yoga, Pilates, spinning and circuit training. Personal training and fitness assessments are available by appointment.

A cute café, Zest, rounds out the facility serving a light breakfast and lunch. I joined the yummy mummies in a glass of Prosecco as I whiled away the time.

Activities

Whether you are tracking steps or not, a walk along the Belfast Lough waterfront is well worth the effort. Exit Culloden’s grounds and walk past the tony homes of Cultra village, and you are there in minutes. There is a dedicated path along the water’s edge so enjoy a jog or a walk with beautiful views as you take in the fresh air.

You’ll find yourself by the Royal Belfast Golf Club in no time. There are wire cages over the path to save you from being wacked in the head by an errant ball. One wonders how many people were decked before that change was made…

Culloden Estate and Spa is a perfect base to explore Northern Ireland where all the major sights are within a two-hour drive. The rugged beauty of the coast attracted visitors long before scenes from Game of Thrones were filmed there. Yet, do the tour; relive the days of salmon fishing at the Carrick A Rede rope bridge; visit Giant’s Causeway; discover the resurgence of Irish whisky; learn how to smoke salmon or bake authentic soda bread. If you want to track down your ancestors, that can be arranged too.

When you’re done with all that, take a full day or two at Culloden to enjoy the spa and the grounds.

For golfers, you are a three-minute drive from the Royal Belfast Golf Club and the concierge will set up a round for you. Be sure to book well in advance though. Technically, Culloden sits in the village/suburb of Holywood (pronounced Hollywood) which is home to its own golf club and, more famously, Rory McIlroy.

Speaking of celebrities, Van Morrison lives “around the corner” in the enclave of Cultra. Allegedly he breakfasts at Culloden most days but doesn’t like crowds. Consequently, I didn’t see him the busy Mothers’ Day weekend I was there. However, that gives me an excuse to go back to Culloden for a discreet sighting of the reclusive Van the Man.

Book Culloden Estate and Spa

Culloden Estate and Spa is the only Virtuoso property in the Belfast area. This means that when you book through me, you’ll have exclusive amenities, including a complimentary afternoon tea, the fabulous breakfast described above, and an upgrade if available.

Be sure to include Belfast in your next trip to the Emerald Isle. If you don’t, you’re missing out. I would be delighted to help you plan your perfect trip. Call me at 772-200-3956 or email jayne@ilxtravel.com.

5 Ways To Exercise More On The Road When You (Think You) Don’t Have Time

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  1. Move More
  2. Set Reasonable Goals
  3. Take Advantage of Down Time at Airports
  4. Schedule Your Workout Time Like You Would Any Appointment
  5. Chunk It Down
  6. If All Else Fails…

Move More

Photo by cottonbro studio on Pexels.com

If you spend a lot of time in a car or on a plane, chances are you are not moving enough. Getting more activity into your life doesn’t have to be a huge performance, you can literally take small steps towards moving more. Even when you are traveling, you will have ample opportunity to put this into practice easily and frequently. Think about it. Do you try to get the closest possible parking spot to where you are going? Do you always take the elevator? Do you take advantage of the hotel pool? Do you dance around your room to your favorite tunes? (The latter is my favorite because there really is no one watching). Whatever you choose to do, if ou are amping up your current activity level, that’s wonderful.

Set Reasonable Goals

Photo by Markus Winkler on Pexels.com

Working out every day is a great goal, but it might not be realistic for you right now. Furthermore, if you try to commit to six workouts a week when you’re currently doing one, chances are that you won’t stick to the plan. Better to add one more workout to your weekly schedule until you become comfortable with your new routine (usually about three weeks), then add another. Keep doing this until you are exercising five or six times a week, or even every day.

The length of your workouts should be what fits into your schedule. Twenty or 30 minutes a day are better than no minutes a day.

Take Advantage of Down Time at Airports

Orlando Airport. Photo by Jayne Withers

When you have a delay or a long layover, you can sit and work, or you can work out. Even if your inner over-achiever wants to use the time to clear out your inbox, channel that energy and a portion of your time to moving. Walk the terminal, take stairs, or check out one of the increasingly popular in-terminal gyms or yoga rooms. The physical and mental benefits of squeezing in a workout include stress-reduction, which is always a bonus in these harried days of travel.

Schedule Your Workout Time Like You Would Any Appointment

Photo by Anete Lusina on Pexels.com

Exercise needs to be a habit, not a whim. If you’re a reluctant exerciser or you’ve talked yourself into thinking you don’t have time to exercise, block your workout time in your calendar and honor it. While traveling, you can schedule time to hit the hotel gym, swim some laps, find a nearby exercise class, or go for a walk, especially if you are at a property by the beach. I follow my regular routine when traveling, which is a daily 30-minute Pilates, barre or cardio session from the Beach Body App, supplemented with a Pilates Reformer class or a beach walk if my location permits. Most hotels have workout facilities these days, so you will always have access to some form of exercise. Once you have scheduled your exercise appointments, the key is to hold yourself to them and make them a priority.

Chunk It Down

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

Perhaps your day is filled with business meetings or you have a jam-packed sightseeing itinerary with the family, and you have no idea how you are going to work out. If you only have 10 minutes to exercise, that’s okay. Give yourself permission for a shorter workout— 10 minutes are better than no minutes. Head to YouTube or an exercise app to find options for 10 minute ab or stretching routines. Or set a timer for 10 minutes and alternate planks, jumping jacks, and crunches. Maybe later you’ll be able to squeeze in one or two more 10-minute workouts. Before you know it, you’ll have completed 30 minutes of exercise without even noticing.

If All Else Fails…

The above five steps are simple and doable, and shouldn’t leave you feeling overwhelmed. In any event, please feel free to reach out to me via social media or email if you are feeling stuck with your exercise routine. I’ll be delighted to point you in the right direction.

My book “Mile High and Healthy: The Frequent Traveler’s Roadmap to Eating, Energy, Exercise and a Balalnced Life” has two chapters devoted to exercising while traveling. MHH, as I call it, is available on Amazon or by contacting me directly.

NOUS Santorini: A Spacious Retreat Minutes From The Action

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Santorini welcomes over 2 million visitors a year, including up to 10,000 cruise passengers a day during peak season. NOUS, which aptly is the ancient Greek word for Mind, provides the perfect sanctuary for those who want to experience the uniqueness and beauty of this idyllic Greek island, while escaping the potential crowds. And NOUS Santorini does the escape thing really, really well. Situated in the village of Mesaria, NOUS is five minutes away from airport and ten minutes from Fira (Thira), the island’s capital, and a 20-minute drive from Oia to where everyone flocks to see the fabled sunset.

  1. The Biggest Pool You’ve Ever Seen
  2. Artfully Decorated Rooms
  3. Foodie Paradise
    1. The Pool Bar and Restaurant
    2. Elio’s Italian American Chophouse
    3. Wine Cellar and Vitamin Bar
  4. The Largest Spa on Santorini
  5. Getting Around from NOUS Santorini
  6. Book Now

The Biggest Pool You’ve Ever Seen

What strikes you first on entering the grounds at NOUS is the sense of space, a rare commodity at hotels in Santorini’s main towns. Every effort has been made to keep the property harmonious with the landscape, a fact echoed by the water feature that runs from the top of the steps down to reception, a gentle cascade for the eyes and the ears while you gaze at the Aegean Sea beyond the property. As you reach the bottom of the steps to enter reception, you get your first glimpse of the NOUS’s masterpiece and centerpiece – its one-hectare pool that requires a panoramic setting to photograph its entirety.

Check-in is conducted in the lobby lounge from the comfort of a sofa while the staff come to you to complete registration. You are given a WHATSAPP number to text for any eventuality. I used this for real emergencies like running out of the SPF 50 sunscreen that is provided in each room and to get help with my luggage. Responses were very prompt; I began to wish more properties would do this.

Artfully Decorated Rooms

The selection of rooms at NOUS is vast, and a large number of suites have their own pool. Of 119 rooms, 41 are pool suites and 17 pool bungalows.  Garden units are amply spaced and the terraces are huge. You’re not on top of your neighbor at all, with the rooms set out like a European village because, well, you’re in Europe.

My pool suite was a dream. I had a large living room with kitchenette and glass doors leading to the ample pool deck. The bathroom was spacious with a huge walk in shower and plenty of closet space (lack thereof being one of my beefs when I’m traveling). The large bedroom also had a view of the pool and the Aegean Sea beyond. I should add that this was not a postage-stamp pool; I had space to swim comfortably.

I saw several categories of room while I was there. Of course, the pool suite was my favorite. It worked for me and one more person, had my husband been traveling with me. The suite would actually accommodate four if the sofa bed were used, although a pool bungalow or a 2-bedroom suite would work great for larger parties. If I weren’t in a pool suite, I’d pick a garden superior room. These come with a huge shady terrace, expanding your living area into a great indoor-outdoor space.

NOUS is part of YES! Hotels whose owner is an avid art collector. Each room at NOUS has a special piece of artwork specific to the space it is adorning.

Foodie Paradise

The Pool Bar and Restaurant

If breakfast is supposed to be the biggest meal of the day, you’ll have no trouble meeting that goal at NOUS Santorini. The Pool Restaurant and Bar serves the best breakfast buffet I’ve ever seen, this could well be fueled by the fact that there is an onsite bakery that puts out a phenomenal variety of baked goods. There’s also a wide selection of cheeses, yogurts (Greek, of course) and cold cuts that one would expect with a Continental breakfast. And real honey that you spread off the comb. I mean, who does that?

The buffet has a good selection of hot items, and there’s an extensive a la carte menu too. I was really happy to see plenty of vegetarian options, as well as gluten-free. Since Greek coffee is phenomenal, I didn’t have to skip on my daily latte with almond milk.

Both breakfast and lunch can be taken inside or beside the legendary pool. The lunch menu features small plates, salads, and superlative entrees. My party dined on a memorable selection of dips, freshly baked breads, Santorini salad, chicken bao buns, fresh fruit, flat breads, grilled shrimp salad, mini tacos, and mushroom skioufikta.

Elio’s Italian American Chophouse

After my huge lunch at the Pool Bar and Restaurant, I didn’t think I’d ever need to eat again, but dinner was planned at Elio’s Italian American Chophouse where we headed for focaccia, Sicilian Shrimp in lemon sugo, Carne Cruda Piemontese, Eggplant Parmesan, Zucchino Crostini, and Tomato Panzanella. Those were the starters… The difficult decision after that was choosing between Branzino, Delmonico steak, or Lobster Tagliolini Fra Diavolo. (I went with the Delmonico). Dinner was complemented with a flight of Santorini wines delivered by the delightful resident sommelier.

Wine Cellar and Vitamin Bar

NOUS’s wine cellar is the perfect spot for private dinners and small receptions. Enjoy a tasting of local wines from the expert in-house sommelier. For healthy fare, head to the Vitamin Bar, located by the spa. Here you’ll find a selection of salads, juices and smoothies made with local ingredients. The Vitamin Bar is also a great place to grab a cup of Greek coffee.

The Largest Spa on Santorini

The spa at NOUS is the largest on the island. Besides five treatment rooms with outdoor spaces, including a couple’s room with private jacuzzi (shown above), there is a sauna, steam room, fitness center, and outdoor yoga area. The water theme continues to prevail with the stunning indoor-outdoor pool, by which the relaxation area is located. Dedicated to a holistic approach, the spa offers a variety of treatments at prices which are very reasonable for a 5-star resort.

Getting Around from NOUS Santorini

YES Hotels

From NOUS Santorini, you can easily get to Fira (10 minutes), the archeological site of the ancient city of Akrotiri (20 minutes), and Oia (20 minutes). A lovely afternoon out is a tour of one (or two) of Santorini’s famed wineries followed by dinner in Oia to watch the sunset. Alternatively, how about a private sunset cruise? I can arrange any of these for you to enhance your NOUS Santorini experience.

Book Now

NOUS Santorini is a Virtuoso property, which means that when you book with ILX Travel, we are able to take extra great care of you by procuring exclusive amenities. Please contact me for more information: 772-200-3956 or jayne@ilxtravel.com.