Short, sweet and oh so sophisticated, mini-moons allow the opportunity to visit some posh hotels and show off your style credentials …
Is the traditional two-week honeymoon a thing of the past? For some couples, a three-day mini-moon suffices, especially if it’s at an iconic hotel. In Spain, Gran Hotel Inglés – the oldest hotel in Madrid, is on my wish list. It’s located in the city’s literary Barrio de las Letras district. This glamorous destination, which has just been restored and renovated (by the Rockwell Group) combines original Art Deco features, antiques and sleek contemporary design. The bonus is guests are a short stroll from the Plaza del Ángel (for a hot chocolate and churros at one of its many cafes), a promenade to visit the original home of Cervantes or a late evening visit to the old Botanic Gardens or drinks and live music with friends at Café Central, one of the best jazz clubs in the world; www.granthotelingles.com.
In Italy, the colourful 18th-century palazzo Le Sirenuse is Positano-perfection and is owned by the Sersale family. All of its eclectic 58 rooms and suites overlook the coastline – they’re a decoristas dream with Vietri-tiled floors, beautiful artwork and tall French windows. When you’re not lounging by the gorgeous pool, surrounded by lemon trees and bougainvillea, enjoying the buzz of Aldo’s bar at sunset, or savouring its Michelin-starred restaurant La Sponda, then a walk to Marina Grande is just five minutes away, where you can hop on a ferry over to Capri, Sorrento and Amalfi.
On the Côte d’Azur Château de la Chèvre d’Or definitely has more than a dose of je ne sais quoi. It may be circuitous to get to Èze, the village where the hotel is located, but once you do, you won’t want to venture much further afield. It’s not blingy, but pure retro charm, with terraces tumbling down to the sea, lovely gardens, and lots of enchanting nooks and crannies (Walt Disney is said to have dreamt up his Magic Kingdom after a stay at the chateau). Rooms are pared back Provencal in ethos, while its restaurants are a magnet for foodies who come for its flagship two-Michelin-starred restaurant. (Les Ramparts is best for languorous lunches).
Stay at any of these locations, and your capsule wardrobe should comprise a few elegant pieces that will suggest nonchalance rather than try-hard chic. Here’s what to pack:
The Hatbox deluxe case from the Sweetheart collection, €527; www.steamlineluggage.com.
Green print Arlo halterneck maxi dress, €120, Monsoon; www.monsoon.co.uk.
Small floral fan, £80; www.fernfans.com.
Green scoopneck swimsuit, €285, Melissa Odabash; www.brownthomas.com.
Bright pink Emma cashmere sweater, €237, Laura Chambers; www.laura-chambers.com.
Pink satin Sexy Fish wrap skirt, €85, KDK; www.kdk.ie.
Black off the shoulder Grace dress, £217.50, La Ligne; www.netaporter.com.
Gold Cloud clutch, €160, I am Peelo; www.peelo.ie.
Black and cream Geo trousers, €25; F&F at Tesco; www.tesco.ie.
Black satin corset, £112.50; www.bellafreud.com
Main holding image: From the new limited edition collection available at www.gaala.com from €180-€330.
