The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

With its beautiful architecture, fascinating history and cosmopolitan buzz, London really does tick all the boxes. Enjoy everything this wonderful city has to offer with a stay at The Rosewood London; located in an Edwardian Grade II listed building, its grand stonework and stunning facade indicative of what lies within. The hotel is located on High Holborn, one of the capital’s most historic thoroughfares. You’re ideally situated to explore the heart of the city with Covent Garden, the City and the West End on your doorstep. When you’re not out exploring, relax in one of the 262 rooms or 44 suites complete with bespoke furnishings, marble bathrooms and Nespresso coffee machines. The rich history of both the city and the hotel is reflected in its design which marries together a traditional manor house feel with modern British style. Guests enter the hotel through a impressive archway which leads to a grand Edwardian courtyard. The rose bronze gallery links the hotel’s public spaces and the spectacular Renaissance-style marble staircase winds its way through all seven storeys. Sit back and enjoy the innovative cuisine in the dining room with its reclaimed oak, antique mirrors and red leather banquettes. The mirror room is a dazzling delight and here you can indulge in the most British of traditions, afternoon tea. One room sure to get you talking is Scarfes Bar; here the walls are covered in the artwork of Gerald Scarfe, acclaimed British artist and political cartoonist for the Sunday Times for 44 years. The terrace, with seasonal planting and lush greenery, is a real oasis of calm and the heated benches mean you can sit and soak up the atmosphere no matter what the weather is doing. The streets of London are just begging to be explored and you have the National Gallery, Charles Dickens museum and the British Museum are just a stone’s throw away and the Tate Modern across the Thames. The glitz and glamour of the West End is calling so be sure to catch a show at one of the city’s many magical theatres.

The former home of Napoleon’s grand nephew, Prince Roland Bonaparte, the Shangri-La Paris is every bit as regal as you might expect. Beyond the elegant façade is a hotel that oozes old-world charm. The opulent rooms are decorated in soft shades of blue, white and ecru with silk-threaded wallpaper, textured panels and custom-made furnishings. Marble bathrooms come with underfloor heating, some offering views of the Eiffel Tower from the bathtub. Dining at the Shangri-La is a real treat, its restaurants showered with stars. L’Abeille is named after Napoleon’s favourite emblem, the bee, and has been awarded two Michelin stars for its exceptional French cuisine. It also enjoys a prime location, looking out over the garden. Not to be outshone, Shang Palace, inspired by south east China’s culinary traditions, has been awarded one star. For French and Asian cuisine, dine under the huge glass dome at La Bauhihia. The hotel’s fitness centre, housed in the original stables of the Prince’s home, features an indoor swimming pool, open-air terrace, treatment rooms and a gym. You’re also ideally situated to explore the city, adjacent to the Jardins du Trocadéro and opposite the Eiffel Tower.

The iconic Belmond Hotel Cipriano is located on Guidecca Island, across the water from St Mark’s Square, a most enviable location that has long helped make the hotel one of Venice’s most exclusive. 96 rooms and suites, split between the mid 20th century building and historic palazzo, are decorated in an opulent and impeccably Venetian style, with views out across the lagoon and cityscape or the lush Casanova gardens. Fine dining options, such as the Michelin-starred Oro Restaurant and Cip’s Bar, take full advantage of the location’s wonderful vistas, while the Gabbiano Bar, Wine Cellar and Piano Bar are each draws in the evening. The famous Olympic-sized swimming is at the centre of the property, the only one of its size in central Venice. There is a personal trainer on site, red-clay tennis courts, and a fitness centre, as well the Casanova Wellness Centre for something a bit more relaxing. It is just five minutes from the Belmond Hotel Cipriani’s own pier to St Mark’s in the heart of Venice. Here the city’s highlights await.

Less than an hour from Bordeaux, the 19th-century Château Grand Barrail Hôtel is surrounded by seven acres of parklands. You can expect a warm welcome with friendly staff on hand to attend to your every need. The 46 rooms are split across the château and its outbuildings. Colours are rich and rooms boast lush textures and fabric. Dine at the hotel’s gourmet restaurant which boasts a menu of innovative dishes created by Chef Romain Gondras and his team. And, of course, savour some of Bordeaux’s finest wines which have been carefully selected to complement the flavours. Take time to unwind at the spa, which offers a variety of treatments. Or relax in an armchair in the stylish smoking room and enjoy a cigar from the hotel’s extensive selection.