“I think that hotels need to help us travel better and create wonder.”
So believes French hotelier Valéry Grégo, who has been restoring a 17th-century convent in Nice’s Old Town for the last ten years. Now reimagined as the elegant 88-room Hôtel du Couvent, Grégo has prioritised community and culture. Within the convent walls guests will find Roman-inspired thermal baths, a lap pool, library (with a focus on the Nice school of artists), resident herbalist, bakery and three restaurants; the menus of which are supplied by the gardens and the hotel’s own farm close by (with 250 hens). There’s also a local farmers’ market on Saturday mornings. Given its location and attractions, it’s definitely tempting as an autumn getaway; overnight stays cost from €325 (www.hotelducouvent.com).
If Grégo has been seen as a visionary, so was the late Ambrose Congreve, former owner of Mount Congreve, Co Waterford. A passionate plantsman, Congreve’s legacy is the 70-acre woodland gardens at Mount Congreve, one of the most notable in Europe. Guests of Mount Congreve’s new hotel have the keys to this special garden to explore after-hours, with its walled garden, Chinese pagoda, ponds, temple and opportunities for forest bathing galore. It also has direct access to the Waterford Greenway. There’s the option to stay in posh Gate Lodges (€269), stylish eco-cabins (from €175), chic bell tents (€145) or family-friendly lodges (from €225). These have all been carefully restored, as have two apartments in the east and west wings of Mount Congreve House (from €215). I was impressed by the old world glamour of the latter where antiques, original art, gorgeous Foxford bedlinen and honesty bars are some of the details. Guests can dine in the fabulous on-site Stable Café, which overlooks the magnolia trees and offers a plotto-plate menu.
It’s perfect for a bucolic, “boots and Barbours” break, steeped in history and wonder, with a soundtrack of birdsong and plenty of visual stimulation. There’s an art gallery within the visitor’s centre (proceeds from art sales go towards the upkeep of the gardens). Foxford has opened a new space within the Visitor Centre gift shop, where pretty bedlinen designed by Helen McAlinden inspired by the estate’s magnolias are a must-buy. Don’t leave without paying your respects to Ambrose for creating this haven; his tranquil grave overlooks the River Suir (www.mountcongreve.com).
THIS MONTH I’M …
READING: The Paris Flea Market, Kate van den Boogert, Prestel, €42.
WEARING: Dromoland x Tidings silk scarf, from €159; www.dromoland.ie.
SPRITZING: Emirates X Voya Eau de Toilette; www.voya.ie.
See also: A Dior Inspired Tour Of Scotland