How to Spend Your Long Bank Holiday Weekend This June

Virgin Hotel, Edinburgh

You’ll be among the first guests at this newcomer opening on 1st June. The first UK site for the previously US-only brand sits in the heart of the Old Town, just four minutes’ walk from iconic Edinburgh Castle. It marries the distinctive Victorian architecture of the landmark India Buildings that it inhabits with distinctive contemporary design and a fresh new take on the urban retreat.

Think airy modern ‘chambers’ and suites that you can separate into two separate areas for living and sleeping, dressing-room areas and yoga mats. Suites include the super-opulent Richard’s Flat, the romantic, historically inspired Eve Branson Suite, Edward’s Suite with its panoramic view of Greyfriars, and the Family King Suite with its iconic castle views. Other highlights include the Commons Club with its contemporary fare based on the finest Scottish produce, creative cocktails and tempting bar bites, and the sleek 24-hour fitness centre.

The Gallivant, East Sussex

Facing the majestic sandy sweep of Camber Sands just outside the fascinating medieval town of Rye on the south coast, this is a unique seaside hotel transformed from a one-time motel into something that could have come straight out of the Hamptons. Daily yoga, talks and workshops put the accent on wellbeing, but that also comes through strongly in the wonderful food and drink, served in a chic, adult-only dining room.

Expect best English wines and dishes based on fresh local ingredients from land and sea. The menu changes monthly to reflect seasonal produce but features the likes of wood-grilled Romney lamb chops with green sauce, and Rye Bay gurnard with pickled mussels, Indian spices and coriander. Breakfasts are outstanding too, with dishes ranging from Dutch pancake with caramelised Kent apple, apple cider caramel and crème fraîche to Turkish poached hen’s eggs, lemon and dill yoghurt, smoked paprika butter and chilli.

Dreams Calvia, Mallorca

One of the few Dreams hotels in Europe offers the group’s famous Unlimited-Luxury® package including reservation-free gourmet dining, unlimited top-shelf drinks, 24-hour room service, a daily-replenished mini-bar, and kids’ clubs. The teen club particularly stands out for its tented camp with zip-lines and an adventure park, while the Explorers Club for younger kids features a mini splash park.

In a prime location just 100m from gorgeous Calviá Beach on the island’s south-west coast and with four outdoor pools and a sundeck lined by Bali beds, this luxury option has a new spa and also hosts yoga or Pilates classes. Things get lively in the evenings with musical performances and themed parties among the entertainment offerings.

W Algarve, Portugal

This hip new hotel, opening 2nd May, will combine a beachside vibe with urban style in fresh, airy rooms, suites and residences with sea views and up to four bedrooms and kitchens – great for multi-generational holidays or other get-togethers with family or friends. Some blessed with plunge pools on rooftop terraces and all have BOSE sound systems with specially curated playlists.

Everything conspires to convince you to stay put, from the slick spa to fitness bootcamps, from the outdoor infinity pool with its cabanas and DJs, to the sunrise yoga. But there’s also plenty to do in the surrounds: three golden-sand beaches within just a few metres, hidden caves to explore, bouldering and water sports to name just a few of the local highlights.

For more inspiration for the long Bank Holiday weekend, get in touch today.

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