...The collection
BIG GATHERING GETAWAYS
Missed being around loved ones? You are not alone. Make 2021 the year you arrange a memorable get together. While spending time with friends and family might be top of your list, it’s more important than ever that the location and experience is top drawer. Having gone without for so long, your next big gathering needs to be meaningful and loaded with new traditions. We’re full of ideas of how to make it extra special.
SOUTHERN SPAIN EXPLORER
Andalusia - Spain
See two sides to Andalusia on a holiday that combines the rural ambience of a country estate followed by a classy beach resort on the coast. Just one and a half hours from Spain’s Costa del Sol, you’ll start your trip with a four night stay at La Bobadilla, located up in the rocky landscapes of the Loja Mountains, known as a ‘royal hideaway’ for its palatial refinement and excellent service. Explore the craggy surroundings on horseback or bike, take dips in emerald lakes or take the kids to the farm for pony rides. Enjoy spacious family suites that come with their own gardens and let kids splash about in the vast swimming pool before dinner on the moonlit terrace as the sun slips behind the serrated edges of the mountains.
Head back to the coast for a week at brand new Ikos, Andalusia, the first Ikos outpost outside of Greece. Expect the same first-rate service and choice – this all-inclusive resort could teach a masterclass in quality. Pick up a complimentary Mini to zoom about the Costa del Sol, Marbella’s flower-draped Old Town is less than 30 minutes away, or enjoy the resort with its convenient beach childcare and activity-filled kids’ clubs. Ikos makes it all so easy – and we all know that happy kids maketh a happy holiday.
Let us help your holiday run smoothly by arranging private transfers between hotels and the airport, plus we can book in advance time at the spa, babysitting and special extras like your favourite wine in the minibar.
BEST FOR
This would suit a family or group with children under 12 – enjoy rural-luxe activities at La Bobadilla, followed by cosseting Ikos by the beach with its kids’ clubs and wealth of restaurants.
THE GAUCHO WAY OF LIFE
Patagonia - Argentina
For a small, dedicated group of eight, this Argentinian adventure could be life changing. We don’t use this term lightly, but such an intimate trip which fully immerses you into a world of tradition, culture and dizzying landscapes is certain to leave a mark.
If you’ve become routinised this last year, shake yourself out of it by discovering a truly different way of life by traversing a remote part of Patagonia on horseback, on a seven-day riding safari that criss crosses through conifer forests, thigh-high glacial-fed rivers, wildflower-strewn valleys and the volcanic ridges of Argentina’s Lake District. Accompanied by gauchos and saddled up on Criollo horse, you’ll be privy to the gaucho way of life. Sleep in wooden cabins and remote gaucho homes and have the chance to fish or swim in icy rivers. Come evening gather by the flickering fire and feast on delicious beef asado washed down by local Malbec. Discover a new part of the world, and yourself, on this intrepid adventure.
This is a serious riding holiday - we can let you know exactly what you'll need including riding boots, chaps and a hard riding hat. Plus you'll need a good camera to capture all those epic moments you will want to remember forever.
BEST FOR
Competent riders and those who love the challenge of an adventure in the great outdoors. Either gather a group of eight or join in and make new friends.
VILLAS UNDER A TUSCAN SUN
Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco - Tuscany, Italy
For those that have really missed mind-opening vistas, Tuscany with its rolling, golden-tinged hills and cypress-dotted panoramas could be the perfect salve. A stay at the gorgeous Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco estate, with its 4,000 acres of bucolic scenery will take care of all your needs, creating a truly relaxing idyll.
There’s a range of accommodation to suit groups travelling together at this 8,000-year-old estate. Pick one of the 11 restored Tuscan farmhouses scattered across the landscape, which have beautifully furnished interiors, private pools, gardens, pergolas and kitchens giving you the privacy to be self-sufficient when you like. However, you can also enjoy the trappings of a five-star hotel with the spa, gym, tennis courts, two fine dining restaurants and the cherry on the cake – the Brunello di Montalcino winery – perfect for tours, tastings and easy quaffing. If you’re a particularly large group, Castiglion del Bosco can accommodate you – perhaps placing peace-seeking grandparents in the hotel itself – thereby offering a stress-free holiday for everyone.
One of the high points of holidaying in Italy is the food. Make the most of it by enrolling at the Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco's cookery school where you can learn from the chef how to make fresh pasta and pizza.
BEST FOR
Groups travelling together or mixed-aged families who like space and views. With both a main hotel as well as private villas dotted in the Tuscan countryside, there’s a good choice of accommodation.
PLAN A MAGICAL CHRISTMAS
Levi Spirit - Finland
We’re not sure anyone had the Christmas they really wanted or deserved last year. Which is why we think it’s a good idea to make sure next Christmas is the best it can be. Planning ahead not only ensures you’re more than likely to get what you want (being the early bird), it also means the whole family have something amazing to look forward to.
How about taking the extended family to Finnish Lapland to stay in a contemporary Scandi-style Levi Spirit villa, with access to an enchanting winter wonderland? Having missed out on so much, make this Christmas one full of memories – like husky sledding, ice fishing, skiing, snowmobile safaris and Northern Light spotting. Younger kids will be amazed to meet Father Christmas and his team of reindeers and everyone loves an impromptu snowball fight. At the end of the day, gather at the dining table for a delicious meal prepared by the chef and appreciate the warmth of much-missed family time.
Catering at Levi Spirit is a highlight. Breakfast, lunch or picnics are provided and dinner is a gourmet affair with a chef, butler and waiter to see to your every need. You can sit back and appreciate family time.
BEST FOR
Multigenerational groups who still believe in the magic of Christmas. It also presents a unique opportunity for grandparents to share their grandchildren’s wonder of this special time of year.
THE MAGIC OF SONEVA
Soneva Jani - Maldives
There have been many times when we’ve wished to be transported to a tropical island – perhaps to one of those expansive over-water villas…with a curvy slide that takes you directly down into the turquoise water with a neat splash. Well dream no more and start planning. Soneva Jani is THE place for magical Maldives adventures, particularly with family and friends in tow. If this is something you’ve always longed to do, make 2021 the year you make it happen.
Located on one of the larger islands in the Maldives within the Noonu Atoll, with its own lagoon, Soneva Jani is a resort of great natural beauty, enhanced by the castle-like overwater villas, made from local wood. Some are large enough to sleep eight, and young and old love the whimsical slides that deposit you into the Indian Ocean. As far as Maldivian resorts go there’s a surprising amount of watersports including paddle-boarding, kite-surfing and sea-bobbing, and on land the chocolate room, cheese room and ice cream room tend to be crowd pleasers. As night draws in, head to the stargazing observatory, catch a movie at the overwater cinema or arrange a surprise dinner for your crew in a secret island location. Truly the stuff of dreams.
For the ultimate experience, opt for one of Soneva Jani's new Chapter Two Water Reserves which maximises space, privacy and seclusion and benefits from ‘Soneva Unlimited’ - the finest of all-inclusive with unlimited signature experiences, diving and spa treatments, wine and fine dining with Michelin-starred chefs.
BEST FOR
Everyone! With a range of accommodation options, a wealth of activities this is a dream come true for anyone lucky enough to be here.
SAIL THE CYCLADES
Cyclades Islands - Greece
There’s nothing quite like being out at sea, the wind in your hair and absolute freedom to go where you please. Now might be the perfect time to plan a trip to explore the Cyclades Islands in Greece with a bunch of your best friends or close family. Enjoy the aquamarine water that flanks the sandbar at Kythnos, soak up sunsets around Santorini and stroll around the picturesque fishing villages of Paros.
Having your own vessel not only means you can work out your own itinerary, it also gives you privacy, space and seclusion. You can choose whether you want to keep wild and remote – discovering hidden coves, little-known swimming spots and peaceful anchorages, or you may prefer to drop by renowned tavernas accessed only by boat, buzzing marinas for cocktails or beach clubs for sunset. Whichever you choose, you can be sure that you’ll be well looked after with a skipper, crew and chef on board. Depending on what type of boat you choose, you can expect al fresco dining areas plus lots of sunbathing spots on board, and often canoes, snorkels and fishing gear to have fun at sea.
Those interested in Ancient Greek history will be fascinated by stops on islands to explore ruins from 6th century BC like on Kea where you can see the remnants of the Sanctuary of Apollo and its famous carved lion.
BEST FOR
Families and close-knit groups of friends travelling together, we’d also recommend that any children on board are competent swimmers.
Trip idea
Italy’s Enamouring Lakes
An 11-day self-drive journey through northern Italy from Milan to Venice, with stops at lakes Orta, Como and Garda.
Booking with Bailey Robinson means access to the finest travel experiences. When planning your holiday we do all the hard work – in-depth research and meticulous organisation. You can be confident in the individual care for your holiday from your dedicated and experienced Personal Travel Designer and Concierge.
The collection
Best of the Best – Maldives
Just back from
Ikos Dassia, Corfu – Greece
