By Anya Cooklin-Lofting
One of my 2022 New Year’s resolutions was to take a trip outside of my comfort zone, so my partner and I hired a campervan and toured some of the most beautiful parts of the Scottish Highlands. At the time, life in the van felt like enough of a departure from my aggressively urban existence in London, but having returned to the metropolitan hubbub of the capital, I want to take my out-of-comfort-zone travel experiences one step further. Having researched the subject of unusual places to stay for comfort zone-averse holiday-making, I am continually drawn to the weirder, more wonderful accommodation available, especially in the form of converted planes, trains, forts and even machinery.
SiloStay
First up is SiloStay, a collection of purpose-built grain silos converted into apartments in Christchurch, New Zealand. Each of the 9 silos available to hire is sustainable and stylish, breathing new life into the industrial, corrugated complex. The complex won the ADNZ/Resene Architectural Design Award in the Commercial Interiors category in 2014, and the timeless, utilitarian schemes still feel modern, fresh and design-led. Staircases wind seamlessly around the curving, blonde wood-clad walls, and the raw effect of the corrugated metal walls serves as an exciting reminder of the structures’ history.
From $200 per night, www.silostay.kiwi.nz
Das Park Hotel
Not for the fainthearted, Das Park Hotel in Ottensheim, Austria, is perhaps the ultimate ‘converted stay.’ The rooms, designed to provide the most space and comfort as possible, are set in converted sewage pipes. So successful has the innovation been with younger travellers and holiday-makers looking for something different, that a second location has been established in Bernepark near Essen in Germany. The amenities are limited and guests are provided with only the minimum necessities (think light, power, a sleeping bag and a blanket and local bathrooms at the nearest petrol station…), but there is an honest and rare ‘pay as you wish’ system that takes the edge off.
Pay as you wish, www.quirkyaccom.com/das-park-hotel
The Old Railway Station
Everyone is familiar with the converted train carriage – they abound on AirBnB and can be hired for cosy weekends away with the family or a loved one all over the UK, in fact. The Old Railway Station in West Sussex, UK, is a train carriage hotel comprising four Pullman train carriages at the former Petworth Railway Station is a beautiful example of how charming these converted carriages can be. There are several other examples across Yorkshire, Norfolk, and in Wales that simply ooze quintessential British charm.
From £300 per night, www.old-station.co.uk
No Man’s Fort
For the most unique, memorable family holiday, party or event, the ominously named No Man’s Fort, built in the late 19th century as a fort to protect Portsmouth, reopened in 2015 as a hotel. It sleeps 44 guests and can hold up to 200 people for parties. Although the hotel is currently closed to the public, it’s certainly one to keep an eye on for the rare opportunity to stay. The spacious rooms, a selection of bars, elegant dining rooms, jacuzzis and spa treatments in this eerie and historic setting surely make for a totally unique stay.
Helicopter Glamping
Finally, and continuing along the military theme, you and five friends can now head to Stirling in Scotland to stay in a 17 metre-long aircraft, the Sea King ZA127. Its active service in the Royal Navy as a search-and-rescue helicopter ended in 1994, and shortly after a stint in naval training, was purchased by a couple at a MoD auction. Its dimensions are surprisingly generous, and although its owners have created a warm, homey feel with soft furnishings and thoughtful details, original elements of the aircraft have been retained and restored, including the exterior, the cockpit (painted with an RAF roundel and complete with the original dashboard, roof panel switches and foot pedals) and the original lighting.
From £170 per night, www.helicopterglamping.com
Best Antique Shopping Spots in France
By Anya Cooklin-Lofting
I can’t imagine a finer holiday than a few days in France, punctuating the languorous poolside hours with jaunts to the nearest antique market for a good rifle through rustic, storied bric-à-brac to take home. A vintage ashtray marked serendipitously with the initials of a good friend makes the perfect gift, or perhaps you find the dining chairs you’ve dreamed of for years; the cerise on the top of the renovation you never thought would feel complete. These treasure troves, which are common across Europe, are most popular in France. Antique-savvy tourists and local collectors are joined by interior designers from across the globe in search of the antique gem to give their homes a unique feel, laden with personality and history.
Such markets go by various names, such as brocantes, puces or, a personal favourite, vide-greniers, which, rather delightfully, translates to ‘emptying the attics.’ Luckily, you can find antiquing hotspots very nearby many of the favoured holiday destinations, from the charming churn of Paris to the sophisticated splendour of the South, giving visitors to Paris, Beaune, Lyon, L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue and Marseille no excuse but to explore…
Paris: Les Puces de Saint-Ouen
The Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen is more than just a flea market; the network of 1,700 dealers manifests in a rambling series of warehouses, alleyways and stalls across any and all categories of antiques and vintage furniture and accessories. It is the largest second-hand market in the world, attracting over five million annual visitors, each of whom would struggle to see more than just a fraction of the ware in a single day. Within Le Puce de Saint-Ouen there are 14 distinct markets, and everyone has their own favourite. Highlights include the Marché Vernaison where dramatic courtyards conceal some of the most spectacular pieces for sale, and the Marché Dauphine, one of Saint-Ouen’s largest markets totalling 150 sellers in the iconic glasshouse-style structure.
Lyon: Les Puces du Canal de Lyon
Considered ‘second place’ to les Puces de Saint-Ouen, les Puces du Canal de Lyon is an indispensable part of France’s antiques and second-hand offering. Restaurants and cafes punctuate the stands belonging to some 400 merchants, attracting 500,000 visitors annually. Located in Villeurbanne on the Jonage Canal, les Puces du Canal de Lyon is just a 20-minute drive from the city centre, making it the perfect holiday outing as you enjoy the rest of the region. It holds the unofficial title of the capital of French gastronomy – an excuse to visit if I ever heard one.
Marseille: Les Puces de Marseille
At les Puces de Marseille, you can find all manner of bric-à-brac, produce and clothing, but its gallery of antique dealers is its finest and most alluring section. Around forty antique dealers can be found in the gallery all year round, closed only on Mondays, and joined by a further 120 dealers on weekends. Les Puces de Marseille are particularly well-located for the popular holiday destinations of Aix-en-Provence and Cassis, making the eclectic market the perfect, shaded spot to explore between a leisurely breakfast and apéro.
L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue: Le Village des Antiquaires de la Gare
The Provençal town of L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is renowned for its antique markets, and rightly so. L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is home to almost 300 permanent antique dealers, operating out of the beautiful buildings that line the canals. The whole town is dedicated to the arts and beautiful objet and some of its most beautiful homes have been converted into galleries. Twice annually, at Easter and on 15th of August, the city welcomes an influx of dealers that come to present their ware to collectors, interior designers and interested browsers in celebration of the country’s status as a mecca for antiques and unique finds.
Guide to the Greek Islands
By Amira Hashish
Where to begin when navigating Greece’s sparkling islands? There are more than 200 inhabited destinations to uncover, brimming with world-class beaches, dazzling sunsets and culinary delights. Start by getting to know the main groups, each with their own mix of statement escapes and hidden gems, before deciding on the island-hopping route that works for you….
The Cyclades Islands
The lowdown: Many of the Greek islands’ most well-known and magical spots can be found in the Cyclades. There are two big players; Santorini for ultimate romantic escapes bathed in luxury and Mykonos for parties and beach clubs.
These destinations aside, there are so many more hidden gems to be found with signature sandy beaches, beautifully crafted white and blue houses and isolated chapels.
There is a buzz around Milos’s breathtaking beaches and Kleftiko caves, Tinos has a cool creative scene emerging whilst Naxos is the place for activities to keep the whole family busy. Paros houses Byzantine footpaths connecting traditional villages and breathtaking landscapes with crystal clear waters. Sikinos is a more tourist free option, as is Serifos with its white villages, quiet harbours and golden sand.
A place to know: Just a seven-minute ferry from its big brother Paros lies Antiparos. A truly dreamy destination, it has the feeling of being a secret paradise whilst also subtly featuring a brilliant selection of restaurants and well-curated shops. Stay at The Rooster for a truly impeccable experience. Most of the wonderfully designed suites have their own private pool, the sunsets are movie-quality, the restaurant is a joy and there is access to a translucent soft-sand beach, theroosterantiparos.com.
Alternatively, for a selection of villas across Mykonos, Paros, Antiparos and more check out The Luxury Travel Book, theluxurytravelbook.com. Email Jamie@theluxurytavelbook.com and let him know you are a BBB member.
In Santorini and Mykonos BBB members receive 15% off spa treatments and a complimentary bottle of champagne for bookings of 7 nights or more at the luxe Katikies hotels, katikies.com.
Click here to become a member of BBB if you aren’t already.
Crete
The lowdown: It takes around six hours to drive from one end of Crete to the other and there is so much to take in along the way. This island has it all; nature, history, produce and beaches to write home about. You’ll find pink sand in Elafonissi and laid-back but luxurious beach clubs in Elounda. Chania is a picturesque harbour town that packs a punch. The Venetian, Turkish, traditional and modern architecture is set against archaeological sites. History buffs will also be keen to visit the ruins of Knossos, Malia, Zakros and Phaistos.
A place to know: those in the know are heading to Acro Suites, a new wellness resort just west of Heraklion. At the very tip of a peninsula, its cave suites are built directly into naturally occurring caverns with pool terraces half-shaded by natural rock, acrosuites.com.
Alternatively, Daios Cove has a selection of suites and villas that can be booked via Carrier, carrier.co.uk. Contact bbb@carrier.co.uk to get access to benefits.
The Dodecanese Islands
The lowdown: Rhodes and Kos are the two most famous islands of this group, both with airports. They provide a gateway to some of the much more off-the-beaten-track but beautiful spots. One to know is Symi. Centred around the delightful port, the hill that sits just above blooms with colourful mansions. With incredible views of the Aegean Sea from most corners, there is something mystical about this island. Hop around by boat and soak up life’s simple pleasures.
A place to know: If you are seeking an adults-only beach getaway with a healthy dose of style Oku Kos has you covered. The chic beach resort has a very chilled out spa, farm-to-fork dishes and a rustic but luxurious design. Not to mention a standout sunset every night, okuhotels.com. The hotel is a part of the Red Savannah collection. Contact Sarah Leigh slshenton@redsavannah.com and let her know you are a BBB member.
Saronic Gulf Islands
The lowdown: Keen to tie in an Athens trip with an island break? This is the closest group to the Greek capital and is full of picture perfect isles. Hydra, Poros, Spetses, Agistri and Aegina tend to fly under the radar and that’s part of their appeal. Hydra is built in the shape of an amphitheatre on a slope overlooking the Argosaronic gulf. Think stone mansions, cobblestoned streets and, perhaps most remarkably, no cars. Donkeys are the main mode of public transportation here.
A place to know: Hotel Bratsera is a former sponge factory in Hydra that has been lovingly restored and turned into a charming little bolthole. The building surrounds a peaceful garden with a pool and the vibrant harbour is just a two-minute stroll away. If you’re keen for an authentic slice of Greece, this is it, bratserahotel.com.
The Ionian Islands
The lowdown: The most prominent of these lush, green islands is Corfu with its beautiful UNESCO protected old town. There are other notable options though; Kefalonia has emerald beaches and standout wineries. Then there is Paxos for underwater caves, small bays and green hills. Antipaxos is its neighbouring small but perfectly formed island. In Ithaca, the home of Odysseus, you will find peace and serenity. If rugged cliffs and a vibrant underwater world are your thing, make a beeline for Zakynthos or try Lefkada for secluded beaches and sweet villages. Not forgetting Aphrodite’s birthplace of Kythera.
A place to know: If you are planning a trip to Paxos, Scott Williams are the specialists. The family-run travel service prides itself on knowing all the locals; from chefs to diving experts (some who double as both) and they have an impressive villa collection alongside a team on the ground to help with boat and car hire or table bookings, scottwilliams.co.uk.
The Sporades Islands
The lowdown: Skiathos may be known as the nightlife spot but just across the way is the much more chilled and nature-filled Skopelos with forests, monasteries, coves and shipwrecks off the coast. Did we mention it is also where Mamma Mia was filmed? Alonissos is the base for fishing or spotting Mediterranean wildlife. Culture lovers will soak up the ceramics of Skyros before meandering through the mountaintop capital of Chora and exploring its Venetian castle.
A place to know: Adrina Resort & Spa is ideal for families with 22 villas and 16 rooms on site. All have an outdoor balcony with sprawling views across the glistening blue Aegean Sea, adrinaresort.com.
Northeast Aegean Islands
The lowdown: Closest to Turkey, these islands are brimming with stunning beaches, forests and sand dunes. The main islands to have on your radar are Limnos, Samos, Lesvos, Chios and Ikaria, packed with thermal springs.
A place to know: Lesvos is the third biggest island in Greece behind Corfu and Evia but it remains much less trodden. With delicious food, sprawling beaches, imposing pine and hardwood forests (including the remarkable petrified forest of western Lesbos) and more than a million olive trees, this feels like traditional Greece. Oliver’s Travels has a collection of luxury villas on its books, oliverstravels.com.