Summer Hotspots from The Hotel Guru
Summer holidays are about to kick in, still wondering where to head for? The Hotel Guru have come up with some top tips. How about ballooning in central Turkey? Or if you'd rather save that for a cooler season, then perhaps a beach lolling break with a hint of interest will tick the box? There's always culture and landscape of course, so whichever, we've got it covered.
Balloons over Cappadocia, Turkey
This is definitely an experience you will re-live for years to come. Cappadocia is an hour's flight from Istanbul. There are balloon flights throughout the year and since safety is paramount, be reassured, these pilots are the most experienced in the world. Sunrise is a popular time to fly, with the dawn light spilling out over Monk's Valley, the cave houses, fairy chimneys, pigeon houses and vineyards. The scenery is utterly stunning.
Porto Katsiki, Lefkada, Greece
Lefkada can be accessed via a narrow bridge from the mainland. Hire a car, and this beautiful island is yours to discover. The west of the island displays some of the most gorgeous beaches with dramatic white cliffs. When you've had enough of the watersports, It's worth taking a boat trip from the port of Nydri to the neighbouring islands of Meganisi, Kefalonia and Ithaca.
Porto Venere, Liguria, Italy
The picturesque coast of Liguria with impressive cliffs plunging into the sea. The colourful towns and their houses in ochre and salmon pink with green shutters and terracotta roofs. Cinque Terre is impressive, if you head further south you'll find Porto Venere and the Gulf of Poets, popular with Byron and Shelley and you can see why. The food is utterly delicious, the home of foccacia and pesto genoese.
Gorges de Baudinard, Haute-Provence, France
Where to start? Provence; with its amazing beaches, landscapes and bustling towns, Aix-en-Provence is one of the loveliest I've seen. The endless fields of lavender in flower from June, and the unique Verdon Gorge for hiking and kayaking. You won't be shortchanged for cafes and restaurants with mouth-watering menus and the choice of vineyards to visit? Well, that's your choice!
Ronda, Andalucia, Spain
100m above the Guadaleri River stands the city of Ronda with superb views. The "New" bridge which is actually 18th century, spans the El Tajo Gorge and joins two parts of the city together; the Old City - an Arab medina and the cobbled streets and alleyways of the new city. Ronda is full of history with the oldest bullfighting ring in Spain, a must see, built by the same architect who built the amazing bridge.
Scopello Beach, Sicily, Italy
Sicily, full of Greek and Roman history, amazing beaches and of course the popular tourist traps. But if you head off the beaten track, you'll find some little treasure tucked away and Scopello is one of them. The oldest fishing village on the island located between Trapani and Palermo.
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Hezen Cave Hotel Urgup, Cappadocia 10 rooms from $156
Views - Great views from hotelLuxuryRomantic BreakLocal markets - Bazaars of Urgup and Goreme.
Recommended by - Tablet, I EscapeCheck AvailabilityA sunny sandstone hotel in a lovely village. Rustic chic rooms and suites have creamy furnishings, light stone walls, and splashes of deep red. Wonderful terraces and views over beautiful landscapes. A chic, but understated spot to explore the region from. See More
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Serinn House Urgup, Cappadocia 5 rooms from $150
Views - Wonderful views over Urgup and the surrounding mountainsCountry EscapeLocal markets - Good for local colour.Great walks - Good for walkers.Recommended by - I EscapeCheck AvailabilityA small chic boutique hotel. Luxurious rooms combine minimalist style and tradition for luxurious effect. Four poster beds, shiny parquet floors, cavernous stone arches, chandeliers and modern furniture. Lovely terraces with gorgeous views. An understated spot. See More
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Kayakapi Premium Caves Urgup, Cappadocia 32 rooms from $137
Unusual - Restored historical caves carved into soft stone cliffs of Kayakapi neighborhood, in Göreme National ParkSwimming Pool - Outdoor, with a separate kids areaRestaurant - Cappadocian specialitiesViews - Across Ürgüp
Check AvailabilityA stunning and unique hotel comprising of restored historical caves carved into soft stone cliffs of Kayakapi neighborhood, in Göreme National Park. Rooms highly luxurious with white-washed walls, antique furnishings and fireplaces. With Turkish baths, a gym, an outdoor swimming pool and restaurant. See More
Written by Colette Bett
