Category: Accommodation

My other Scottish Castle…

From their website: “Ardoe House sits on an estate which was part of a 1,000 acre parcel of land gifted to Arbroath Abbey by Alexander II, King of Scotland way back in in 1244. It has been described and divided throughout the centuries as the sunny half and the shady half.

Ardoe House was built by Alexander Milne Ogston, the son of a successful Aberdeen soap and candle manufacturer known locally as ‘Soapie’ Ogston. As well as erecting the fashionable mansion house, he beautified the whole estate with plantations. At the time, taking pride in one’s Scottish roots was exceptionally important, and much of Alexander’s choices for his prized home reflect this.

For instance, the architect he chose was James Matthew, one of the architects behind Drummuir Castle, Aldourie Castle, Ballindalloch Castle, and work on Cawdor Castle. The Scottish Baronial style chosen for Ardoe House was a popular style, first created for a house built for the famous writer, Sir Walter Scott, whose works fired up renewed passion for Scotland.”

~ Bella

Lovely Majestic Hotel

It’s funny how different brands are represented differently in different countries.

In Australia Marriott is a premium brand,whereas in American it is a budget brand. In America, Ramada is very often a budget accommodation, but here in Romania, it is a five star brand.

Anyway, I am recovering well (albeit slowly) from being Frogger-squished when I was hit by the car in Italy, and have found a FABULOUS massage guy who comes to my apartment a couple of times a week – but yesterday I was thinking that what I really need to aid my recovery in addition is a hot-tub and a heated pool…

To my infinite delight, I found both at the beautiful Ramada Majestic Hotel – and even better? It is right across the road! So, I packed up a case, walked across the road and checked in for a few days!

…and apart from the pool (that is wonderful and doing me a world of good!), the breakfast buffet is quite extraordinary!

…all inclusive for only 80 Euros per night!

…and I have come downstairs for an early dinner – this delicious meal is only $7.50 USD.

…and topped off with my favourite sparkling mineral water and a delightful Romania wine… (the rest of which I do not drink here they will magically transport up to my room…)

I have already decided that when I come back to Romania, I will be staying here instead of renting an apartment.

…and yes, I will be coming back! I have not yet left, but am already looking forward to my return trip!

But, for now, I am sitting here enjoying my wine and the latest edition of “Country Life” – and all is well with the world…

Langtry Manor

Staying in the Prince of Wales’ own suite!

Have you heard of Lillie Langtry? Perhaps if I said she was in a relationship with the Prince of Wales who later became King Edward VII and who built Langtry Manor for her – or perhaps if I told you she was the face of Pears Soap? But she was soooo much more.

I am such a fan of both King Edward VII and Lillie Langtry and when moving from St Leonards-On-Sea to Torquay in early January, I decided to treat myself and not only stay in Langtry Manor (that the Prince had made for the two of them as their private retreat) but also to say in the Prince of Wales’ own private suite! Seriously!

Upon arrival, the manor is very quaint…

Upon arrival, I was ushered to the lounge for a complimentary tea/coffee while my luggage was taken from my rental car and deposited in my suite…

…and then down the hallway, and up the stairs to my suite…

Upon walking in the door of my suite, I started to giggle… It was soooooo lovely and I felt so very blessed…

This photo does not do justice to how incredible delicious this was – such a finely balanced delight of taste and texture…

The King (Prince of Wales) had a private peep-hole where he could see who was in the dining room and decided whether he would enter based on the occupants!

…breakfast in bed, of course!

Simply stunning!

If ever I am in Bournemouth again, I would be honoured to stay at Langtry Manor.

Historic Harting Pub – The White Hart

I decided to visit Uppark just near Petersfield in the UK and rather than do it all in one long day trip, stayed overnight in the beautifully quaint historic Harting pub, The White Hart.

Built in the 16th century, this Grade II listed pub is a pure delight.

Located in picturesque ‘chocolate-box’ South Downs village of South Harting, West Sussex, this pub is totally charming!

Easy to get to either by road (it is about two hours’ drive south-west from London on the A3) or by train, with the nearest station being Petersfield, only ten minutes away.

The food was delicious, the staff were ever so friendly, the locals equally so, the interior was beautifully maintained… In particular, I loved the floors and the doorways, some of which are only five feet high!

After dinner (I thoroughly recommend the steak!), I checked in to my room – that was originally part of the stables out the back of the main building…

Not only was the room superbly decorated in a mix of reclaimed timbers and modern touches (and the bed was sooooooo comfortable!), but the key to the door reminded me that this was, in fact, a very old historic pub – I loved every minute of it!

Click here to learn more and to find out about room rates and availability at The White Hart Pub!

Appalachian Resort

The Appalachian Resort up in the mountains of New Jersey has been my ‘home sweet home’ for several months.

Only about two hour’s drive (actually, a little less) from New York City, about two and a half hours from Philadelphia, and with two hot tubs, a heated pool, gym, cafe, bar, games room, underground parking and more, this luxury four-season resort has been my piece of heaven!

Appalachian Resort Four-Season Luxury

During winter, the ski slopes are literally in your back yard…

Next door is Mountain Creek Resort’s Red Tail Lodge where you can find even more places to eat, drink, rent equipment and be merry!

Then, as the weather turns to spring, the area becomes known for hiking and biking – with the Appalachian Trail only a few miles up the road.

Come summer, and the whole area turns water park!

Fall is back to hiking and biking, and the cycle is complete.

Only 10 minutes away is the picture-postcard beauty of Warwick, just over the border into New York state.

I have loved my time here!

Step back in time… Skytop Lodge, Pennsylvania USA

This photo thanks to Skytop Lodge

On the way to this lovely gem known as Skytop Lodge, one travels through a state park aptly named, “Promised Land”.

Part luxury lodge, part adventure playground and part pure heaven, Skytop’s history dates back to 1925 where John Stubbs, Frederic Smith, Earl Mayne and Sam Packer envisioned a grand resort on the peak of a high plateau in the Poconos.

Built from stones and woods found on the property, the main building was completed in only three years.

In 1930 a dam was completed and the lake was enlarged to its present size.

Later, cottages were built and the 2,000-acre Goose Pond area was acquired to create a 5,500 Pocono Mountains playground with hiking, skiing, swimming, and new adventures, surrounded by places of quiet beauty and restful charm.

After driving through the grounds, I pulled up to the main entrance where a delightful valet, Mr Robert, greeted me.

As I stepped through the main door, it felt literally as though I was stepping through a time-portal doorway.

Before curling up with a glass of red wine (of course!), I meandered through the halls of this beautiful building…

A member of Historic Hotels of America, Skytop Lodge is a wonderful location to stay, play, relax and unwind – or do as I did and simply while away an afternoon over a glass or two of wine, soaking in the ambiance of the Tap Room… Bliss!

For more information, here is their website: http://www.skytop.com/ ~ and tell them I said, ‘hello!’

Have you stayed at Skytop Lodge? Let me know so we can share your experiences with the Tribe!

By Leigh St John, aka Luxurious Nomad