RUMPUS ROOM MT JULIET WINDOWS

If you had your own boutique hotel, what would you make sure existed? Every meal was so delicious: from the salt cod an buttermilk scones at breakfast to the lobster platter at dinner and parsnip ice-cream dessert! I urge everyone who works in the travel industry to watch Zita’s D3 talk. Boat-builders were re-trained as furniture makers and a guild of quilters stitched the bespoke bedspreads found in every room and the in-house chef is committed to foraged, caught or grown food that’s as locally sourced and seasonal as possible. Designed by architect Todd Saunders (from across the water in Gander Bay) every practice is eco friendly and ethical right down to the light features made from fishing net ropes by locals. No detail has been overlooked and its comfortable luxury like nothing else I’ve experienced. The rest of the world should take note of this incredible social enterprise. The sixth of seven children born to an illiterate cod-fishing family (and the only girl), Zita left this at 16 to study business in Ottawa the Newfoundlander then retired aged 42 as one of Canada’s richest women – and she created this community-based business. Originally it piqued my interest architecturally when I saw the bold plans for this remote island off the eastern coast of Canada (where I was born)… Then I met Zita Cobb, its inspiring founder. Even the five lowest-category pool-less rooms are high on charm, sporting the signature raised-up ensuites and convivially proportioned Jacuzzi tubs that are blessed too with that grandstand Piton-facing look-out.įogo Island Inn, Newfoundland was the perfect destination for our 4-day minimoon adventure. Each of the 29 15ft-high-ceiling suites at Jade Mountain is truly individual, and this a get-away-from-it-all paradise a world removed from could-be-anywhere homogenous chain hotels.

RUMPUS ROOM MT JULIET WINDOWS

At the top of a hill above his original hotel Anse Chastanet, the architect owner dispensed with as many walls, windows and doors as possible - the suites are all open air! Walkways lend a sci-fi feel while coloured Aztec-y glass sculptures enhance its other-worldliness. Jade Mountain, St Lucia is a Caribbean property with a unique knack of bringing the outside in: my suite had a swimming pool half in the room and half uncovered one suite still has a red gommier tree growing through the floor and up through the roof. They have a fabulous palace-style hotel opening soon: Kinscem. I absolutely love the decor - upcycled in their own colourful, imaginative way, with lots of original art from local creatives.

Lots of friends wondered why we’d chosen this Hungarian rendezvous… and I got great pleasure from introducing so many to this beautiful city and its delicious food and drink, and in particular this characterful bohemian boutique hotel and its members club. I first fell in love with this cool independent city stay on a press trip last spring 2014 - then fast forward a year to when we had our wedding at its arts club, Brody Studios. Name three most special hotels you have ever stayed at…īrody House, Budapest is very special for me. I always forget to look at TripAdvisor - until when I’m a hotel and I feel let down in some way and I check to see if others had a similar disappointment and usually someone’s shared my sentiments. I also really trust the New York Times when it comes to travel recommendations, and of course Condé Nast Traveller (I am biased as my food-lovers guide to the Isle of Wight is in the current July issue). I tend to be informed by friends who work in travel and whose taste I know is like mine.ĭaisy Bird, Carla Burt, Andria Mitsakos and Lysbeth Fox all run their own PR companies, and they are people whose opinions I really rely on: in the same way some people look to style bloggers. One chic image doesn’t truly reflect the feel of a hotel.

Or perhaps I’ve seen a hotel in a magazine - but that can deceive thanks to a flattering brochure-style shot. Obviously I’m privileged to hear about lots of fabulously stylish hotels through Mr & Mrs Smith - if they’ve made our cut to get into the Smith Hotels collection that means they’re likely to be exactly my cup of tea: stylish and boutiquey. I’ll be honest, I’m a sucker first for how a hotel looks: outside and in. Juliet Kinsman at one of her favourite boutique hotels: Fogo Island Inn.

Rumpus room mt juliet