From whale watching, to afternoon tea, to cocktails on the beach, to archery, Red Carnation’s hotels around the world offer an array of unforgettable adventures. The collection of award-winning boutique properties, which are renowned for their exemplary service, luxurious accommodation, generous hospitality and outstanding amenities, have a little something for everyone, no matter what their interests or tastes.
Here we’ve compiled the ultimate travel wish list for 2019: one extraordinary experience for every month of the year at Red Carnation’s iconic hotels. 1. January – Discover Europe’s best-kept secret: Overlooking Mont Blanc and the calm waters of Lake Leman, Geneva’s beautiful Hotel d’Angleterre – voted Switzerland’s best hotel in the 2017 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards – is perfect for a pampering winter escape. Meander through Geneva’s cobblestone streets, shop on the Rue du Rhone or explore the snow-capped French and Swiss Alps, just an hour from the hotel, before returning for hot chocolate or delicious cocktails by the roaring fire in our famous Leopard Lounge.
2. February – Rev up the romance in a fairytale castle: Ireland is a nation of myth and legend, and among the great Irish tales are ones of true romance. Celebrate your love story at Ashford Castle (pictured) or The Lodge at Ashford Castle with candlelit dinners, romantic walks through manicured gardens, or a couple’s massage in our multi-award-winning spa. You can even practice shooting Cupid’s arrow at our archery range! Situated on a spectacular 350-acre estate in Ireland’s fabled west, the property’s sumptuous rooms and suites, delectable cuisine and wealth of on-site activities will leave you and your sweetie with a lifetime of memories.
3. March – Taste early spring in Hardy country: Dorset is captivating in spring, with wildflowers blanketing the woods and hedgerows bursting with a kaleidoscope of rich color. Escape to Summer Lodge Country House Hotel, Restaurant and Spa or The Acorn Inn for exquisite, award-winning cuisine that utilizes the season’s finest ingredients, including wild garlic, purple sprouting broccoli and rhubarb grown in our kitchen gardens. At Summer Lodge, expect AAA fine dining and wine from acclaimed chef Steven Titman and award-winning sommelier Eric Zwiebel, and at The Acorn Inn you’ll find AA gastropub-style fare in a 16-century coaching house featured in Thomas Hardy’s Tess of the D’Urbervilles.
4. April – Spend Easter on the beach: Ideal for a South African Easter getaway, The Oyster Box Hotel on Umhlanga’s beachfront has direct access to miles of protected beaches and spectacular coastal paths. At Easter our younger guests receive a host of holiday treats, including fishing nets, beach balls, ice cream and toffee apples. Guests of all ages can enjoy our Easter egg hunt, delicious home-baked hot cross buns and an Easter-themed high tea filled with scrumptious sweets.
5. May – Enjoy a refreshing island getaway: In Spring, the historic Channel island of Guernsey comes alive! Its shores teem with the freshest seafood (including the famous local crab), the puffins arrive to breed, the clifftops are a tapestry of spring foliage, and the Literary Festival and Spring Walking Festival is in full swing. The island is also replete with museums and ruins that give fascinating insights into the WWII occupation, plus there are a number of prehistoric tombs dating back to the Megalithic period. While you’re in Guernsey, stay at The Duke of Richmond or The Old Government House Hotel & Spa, where you can admire sensational sunsets from the deck, or indulge at one of the fine on-site eateries such as The Brasserie, The Olive Grove or The Curry Room.
6. June – Visit London’s best “beach”: Herald the start of summer with a trip to the beach, in the heart of literary Bloomsbury. Starting in June, the Wood Deck at The Montague on the Gardens is transformed into an al fresco beach bar, with a palm-thatched roof, real sand, tropical cocktails and delicious BBQ platters. A tasty line-up of tempting desserts, including assorted ice creams, will really get you into the summertime spirit! Located steps from the British Museum, the hotel is also the perfect base for exploring London’s shopping, culture and theater scenes.
7. July – Stay with the whole family in a “royal” London residence: Stay in your own private apartment at The Milestone Hotel and Residences, located opposite Kensington Palace, during a sumptuous summer holiday in London. These newly renovated two- and three-bedroom suites are perfect for families and each is named after a royal landmark or member of the royal family. For the little ones, there are children’s games and books, mini bathrobes and slippers, and a teddy bear for bedtime. You can also treat your kids to a Prince & Princess Afternoon Tea, or take a hamper packed with traditional picnic fare for an outdoor feast in Kensington Palace Gardens.
8. August – Celebrate Afternoon Tea Week in London: Celebrate Afternoon Tea Week at The Chesterfield Mayfair, where tea is a quite an event year-round! Enjoy a selection of finger sandwiches and exquisite cakes and pastries inspired by the magic of Hardys Original Sweetshop, a British icon. At our sister property, The Egerton House Hotel, traditional afternoon tea is served in the elegant Drawing Room and includes options for vegan, gluten-free and even four-legged guests.
9. September – Experience South Africa’s magical Cape wildflowers: September is the beginning of Spring in South Africa, the magnificent season when Cape wildflowers burst into bloom. At this time of year the magical landscape around Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve & Wellness Retreat is transformed into a multi-hued blanket of colors. Picnic on a carpet of flowers under a wide azure sky, explore our spectacular nature reserve, and admire ancient rock art dating back 10,000 years.
10. October – Enjoy glorious autumn in Palm Beach: Located on Cocoanut Row in the chic, dynamic heart of Palm Beach Island, just a short stroll from Worth Avenue and the golden sandy beaches of the Atlantic Ocean, The Chesterfield Palm Beach beckons in autumn. With our Fall Promotion guests will enjoy al fresco breakfast in our intimate, palm-shaded courtyard; relax next to our stunning pool in the afternoon; and at night, enjoy a drink while you dance to live music in the world-famous Leopard Lounge.
11. November – See whales migrating around the tip of Africa: November in Cape Town sees the finale of the southern right whales’ migratory season. Watch for these magnificent creatures from The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa's panoramic terrace as you sip a signature cocktail, enjoy freshly-made sushi or embark on a gin-tasting journey, and wait for the sun to set in an explosion of color over the Atlantic Ocean.
12. December – Spend Christmas in Britain’s capital: Escape to The Rubens at the Palace, overlooking Buckingham Palace, for exceptional dining experiences, festive afternoon tea, live music and exquisite seasonal cocktails. Next door, discover Hotel 41, TripAdvisor’s #1 hotel in the UK and proudly recognized as a Forbes five-star property. This intimate hideaway is famous for its “Plunder the Pantry” experience, especially decadent at Christmas.
