The White Room at Hawksmoor House
If you’re anything like me, you like to enjoy a taste of the high life but don’t have the budget for five-star hideaways or jet set glamour. But with a bit of research it’s easy to find smaller guesthouses and boutique hotels which offer style and service without the hefty price tag.
Here are a few of my favourite lux-for-less options:
Hawksmoor House, Cape Winelands, South Africa
Occupying a colonial Cape Dutch farmhouse on the Matjieskuil wine estate, Hawksmoor House offers the perfect location for unwinding in peaceful surroundings. You can enjoy breakfasts, home-made afternoon teas or sundowners on the veranda, lounge by the pool or wander the rose-filled gardens while enjoying the view of Table Mountain in the distance. Ask for the White Room – actually a suite with two bedrooms, a dressing room, a terrace and a marble bathroom complete with a walk-in shower and a huge, freestanding bath tub.
79 on Orange, Cape Town
Located in a colonial building at the foot of Table Mountain, this guesthouse boasts warm, African-themed interiors crammed with art and antiques. Each of the five bedrooms is individually styled, with large bathrooms and a terrace. The lavender-filled garden houses a swimming pool and a Jacuzzi, while the homely lounge encompasses comfortable sofas, an open fire, a well-stocked honesty bar and heaps of books. Best of all are the breakfasts, which include a mouth-watering array of local fruit, together with delicious pastries and fry-ups.
Panorama by Rhombus, Hong Kong
Situated in Kowloon just minutes from the Star Ferry pier, the Panorama has a rooftop garden, a stylish cocktail bar and an elegant, monochrome interior. Try to wangle an upgrade to a superior room located on the upper floors of the 42-storey hotel, as the floor-to-ceiling windows provide stunning views of the Harbour and Hong Kong Island. You won’t want to draw the curtains.
Hotel Le Canberra, Cannes
Hotel Le Canberra was fully refurbished in 2008 and exudes a soothing sense of calm in the heart of the city. Its neoclassical façade hides a retro-chic interior with a touch of 1950s glamour provided by the pink, black and white colour scheme. The outdoor restaurant serves a range of French and Italian cuisine under the shade of palm trees, while beyond lies a small swimming pool surrounded by bamboo and landscaped gardens. You wouldn’t be surprised to see Grace Kelly or Audrey Hepburn wandering the hallways.
www.hotel-canberra-cannes.cote.azur.fr
Hotel Herodion, Athens
The Herodion offers contemporary glamour just minutes from the spectacular ruins of ancient Athens. The renovated rooms are comfortable and stylishly simple, while the large bar mixes modern furnishings and comfortable sofas with antiques. The hotel also boasts a Japanese-style rooftop garden, complete with Jacuzzis where you can watch the sun set behind the Parthenon as you sip a well-earned glass of wine.
