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CHAMPAGNE SPECIAL

Belmond Le Manoir

aux Quat'Saisons

PERFECT FOR FOODIES

The lowdown: Raymond Blanc's legendary gastro-shrine

celebrates its big three-oh this year and remains the sine qua non

of no-holds-barred luxury: from the moment car keys are handed

over for valet parking, guests don't have to lift a finger. Blanc might

be the quintessential French chef in the flesh but his cooking is

influenced by techniques from further afield than France and his

dishes are light, seasonal and flavour-led. Spacious guest rooms

meanwhile are inspired by Blanc's travels and located either in the

original 15th-century manor house or the (completely in-keeping)

annexes that have been added over the years.

Activities to indulge in: Spend the time before supper dawdling

in idle bliss: tea and a slice of lemon cake on the private terrace of

your garden suite, perhaps, ahead of croquet on lawns bordered

by lavender, then a stroll around the two-acre organic kitchen

garden. If you want to learn more there's a cookery school. With

everything set up to make guests as comfortable as possible,

you won't want to step outside the grounds.

The damage: One night's B™B costs from £555 for two people.

Dinner is an additional £140 per person.

manoir.com

Ben McCormack, editor

Tresco Island

PERFECT FOR A SEASIDE GETAWAY

The lowdown: Set just 28 miles off the Cornish coast,

you'd be forgiven for thinking that this privately owned

island was a lot further away. Dramatic rock formations,

wild untamed grasslands, picture-perfect beaches

and coral-blue waters are the stuff of fantasy, while its

car-free status and relaxed pace of life couldn't make

for more of a contrast to city living. Even the weather

is better than on the mainland, with the island's

smog-free skies exaggerating the sun's rays. Luxurious

waterside cottages include all the mod cons, but it's the

scenic view from the windows that steals the show.

Activities to indulge in: Bikes are the best way to

explore the two-and-a-half mile-long island, available

to hire with your accommodation. Let off steam as you

cycle between sandy beaches and secluded coves,

stopping off at the Flying Boat restaurant for superfresh

seafood or friendly gastropub The New Inn for

more hearty fare. Take a dip in the sea or relax at the

spa, visit red squirrels in the beautifully maintained

Abbey Garden and make sure you catch the stunning

sunset over cocktails on the terrace at Ruin Beach Café.

The damage: One-bedroom cottages start from

£160 per night, with breakfast.

tresco.co.uk

Ben Norum, news and online editor