By Anya Cooklin-Lofting
What cities spring to mind when you fancy a culturally rich, stimulating, exciting city break with friends or a loved one? Paris, of course. Rome, naturally. Innsbruck? If you say so. The timeless sophistication of the greatest and most renowned ‘weekender’ cities is undeniable and will appeal for generations to come, but what about some of the other incredible cultural hubs on our doorstep that don’t get the same kind of air time?
If you’re looking for somewhere new (to you) to explore, you’ve come to the right place. Read on for a round-up of some of the most interesting, unusual spots that the tourism industry has cruelly undersold…
Innsbruck, Austria
In Bill Bryson’s hilarious travelogue, Neither Here Nor There, he compares the quaintness and somehow pastiche predictability of Innsbruck to a Disney film he saw as a boy: “…what made a lasting indent on me was the Europeanness of the background – the cobbled streets, the toytown cards, the corner shops with a tinkling bell above the door… it all seemed so engaging and agreeably old-fashioned compared with the sleek and modern world I knew, and it left me with the unshakeable impression that Austria was somehow more European than the rest of Europe.” According to locals and online guides, the best time to visit Innsbruck is in the winter, mainly for the winter sports (there are nine ski resorts around the city) but also for the sheer levels of cosiness available. Sit down for a mug of Jägertee in Innsbruck’s architecturally diverse Old Town or rug-up and book a walking tour of the city including the heavily embellished stucco façade of the Baroque Helblinghaus for optimal Hygge (which makes for a perfect Danish segue…)
Skagen, Denmark
The northernmost town in Denmark, Skagen benefits from light, warm evenings in the summer months. This geographical advantage was enjoyed by the Skagen Painters, a group of Scandinavian artists who gathered there in the late 19th century to paint en plein air in the style of the French impressionists. Some of the most famous works (which are so heavily defined by their luminescent expression of natural light that visitors continue to enjoy today) are P.S Krøyer’s Hip Hip, Hurrah! and Anna Anchen’s Sunlight in the Blue Room. H.C. Andersen, a national cultural personality, once said of Skagen’s artistic allure, “Here in the Danish country, you will find a nature that reminds you of the desert in Africa, of the ash mounts of Pompei and of birds flying around the dunes by the sea.” Should you decide to flock to the town with your paint box, make sure you stay at the Brøndums Hotel, which was the only hotel in Skagen at the time the artistic group was working.
Kutna Hora, Czech Republic
While you can easily take an hour’s train trip to visit Kutna Hora for a day trip from Prague, the city feels like such a distillation of history, ritual and legend it would be a shame not to spend more time there. The crowning glory of this unusual city break is the Church of All Saints, also known as the Bone Church, and its underground chapel, the Sedlec Ossuary. If you want a particularly unusual trip, this should cut the mustard. Built in the 14th century, the Church of All Saints was the site of the burial ground for the victims of the 1318 plague and for those killed in the Hussite wars. In the 1500s, the cemetery was abolished and the bones of all the bodies buried there were exhumed. The colloquial signifier, the Bone Church, begins to make sense when you discover that all the intricate decorations across the church’s walls are made from bones. The arrangement of the bones, which includes a chandelier in the centre of the nave containing all of the bones in the human body, is the work of František Rint, a Czech wood carver, who finished the macabre installation in 1870. For the stronger-stomached amongst us, a tour of the Sedlec Ossuary is offered with a 3-course lunch at a nearby restaurant.
Annecy, France
Known as the Venice of the Alps amongst fans of the quintessentially French village, Annecy is a charming town in southeastern France known for its eponymous lake (immortalised in Paul Cézanne’s 19th-century Post-Impressionist work, The Lac d’Annecy) and snow-capped mountain vistas. It has all the charm of a baby Provence and certainly fewer tourists. The scale of the lake allows for watersports including sailing, paddleboarding, wakeboarding and scuba diving, and catamarans and yachts can be hired, too. For land-dwellers, the coiling canals of Annecy’s Vieille Ville prove the perfect warren in which to lose yourself entirely to the cobbled streets and putty-coloured houses. A trip to rural France seems pitifully incomplete without a lazy stroll around a farmer’s market, and both the local markets, the Old Town Market and Au Rendez Vous du Terroir are exactly what you might hope for.
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.
Work Flow…With Kip Hideaways
By Amira Hashish
Liz Simpson and Sarah de Vere-Drummond, co-founders of Kip Hideaways, are champions of the UK staycation. The dynamic double act set up their business after working in the boutique travel industry for years and realising that there was a gap in the market for the kind of adventures they had in mind. From beautifully designed tree houses to hidden group getaways, they pride themselves on unearthing those hidden gems.
Joining Amira Hashish in conversation for the latest Work Flow, Liz offers an insight into what it takes to set up a thriving business, how to juggle work and family life and the future of travel in Britain…
What inspired you to set up Kip Hideaways?
My co-founder Sarah and I had noticed a real gap in the market for a website that only featured small places (two to six people) that were super stylish and great value. They were the sort of places we spent ages looking for when we were going on our own holidays, as they tend to be hidden in a sea of bigger or more inferior properties on giant sites, or were tiny places that didn’t have a web presence. We loved sharing them with our friends and families, and setting it up as a business felt like a natural progression of this.
What do you think people are seeking from UK staycations?
Ease. Whether that’s being able to jump on a train after work on Friday and get to a property in time for dinner, or being able to fill the car with paraphernalia if you’re travelling with kids, or taking your dog, travelling within the UK is much simpler than travelling abroad.
Also, style. In recent years the UK staycation market has seriously upped its game. Our rentals are as stylish as boutique hotels, which means you get all of the luxe and joy of staying in gorgeous properties, plus the independence of self catering.
How do you manage your time?
It’s a constant juggle, as we both have young kids. We work in very different ways. I tend to start at 6am and finish around 3pm, weekdays only; my husband takes our daughter to school and I do school pick up and onwards. Sarah is less rigid, working flexibly during the week, and often working in the evenings when her kids are asleep, and also at weekends. We love that we can both work exactly when we like, around our families. It’s a huge bonus of running your own business.
Do you have any advice for those keen to follow in your footsteps and set up their own business?
- You’ll probably need to chip away at it at the start. We did bits as and when we could to create and run Kip around freelancing to pay the bills. Initially we worked on Kip for free, and gradually the balance shifted and we were able to start paying ourselves. First one day a week, then two…and so on. Now we’re both full-time on Kip. You have to be determined and ‘make’ that hour or two a day in the early days or it will never get off the ground.
- You don’t need to have savings / backers to start your own business, so don’t let that put you off. We started on a real shoestring, creating a really lean business model by necessity, and actually long-term this really helped us grow quickly as we didn’t have overheads.
- Be prepared to work hard. We work longer hours than when we were employed, and of course carry all the stress of running a business. You never really switch off, and the buck always stops with you. But the benefits are enormous; flexible hours, being able to work at home, choosing who we work with, constantly meeting new inspirational people, and of course having enormous pride in what we’ve created, and being able to stay in our properties. We genuinely love being ‘at work’.
What’s the biggest lesson you have learned along the way?
To constantly adapt. The market shifts thanks to the pandemic have been insane. One minute, things have been quiet, the next absolutely manic, then quiet, then manic again. We’ve had to scale our own time and freelancers’ time up and down accordingly. We’re also constantly looking to improve Kip for our owners and users, and grow it in different ways to keep users engaged and attract new audiences. You can’t sit back on your laurels otherwise you run the risk of flatlining.
Who has been the most influential person as part of your career journey?
Jessy Harrison. We loved the PR work she did for the Artist Residence properties, so brought her on board just to help us launch. She did such an incredible job that we’ve kept her with us ever since! She is full of energy, ideas and enthusiasm, and she, and her team (big nod to Aimee), are an integral part of Kip.
Tell us about how you source the special places that are part of the collection…
We spend a lot of time researching, on the web, through magazines and newspapers, and via recommendations from people we really trust. We also get a lot of people approaching us asking to come on Kip nowadays, which, if they fit our strict criteria, is a real bonus!
Which areas have proved the most popular?
Suffolk, Sussex and the Kent Coast are huge. Our users are also loving Wales.
How has the travel landscape changed post-pandemic?
I think the pandemic has made people realise that the UK holidays can be amazing – and completely different from those you perhaps remember as a child. The UK offers incredible landscapes, really stylish properties, great value, great food, and an ease of travel. Yes, you can never guarantee the weather, but if the property you’re staying in is gorgeous, you don’t mind spending more time indoors. And on a sunny day, the UK is pure joy.
What does the future of travel in the UK look like?
We’re predicting really buoyant. Although there is currently a bulge in people going abroad as they’ve been unable to do so for a couple of years, I think this will settle, as people have realised you don’t need to jump on a plane to go somewhere special. Whereas once people might have gone abroad two or three times a year in the past, I think the future will be perhaps one holiday abroad and one in the UK, or more minibreaks in the UK. Especially as everyone now has a dog.
Visit kiphideaways.com.