Hand Picked Hotels champions the UK holiday with new tailormade experiences and specially curated stays for guests
Hand Picked Hotels' chairman and CEO Julia Hands announced this week the re-opening of the hotel group on 4th July with the introduction of a new offering of custom-designed and curated stays for guests. This is great news for those that are desperate to venture beyond the four walls of their home but are still mindful of safety and social distancing measures.
A home-away-from-home country house hotel experience, Hand Picked is inviting couples, groups of friends and family, colleagues and individuals to have their ideal break tailor-made as lockdown eases. Each party will have a dedicated 'Hand Picked Host' looking after them throughout their stay, adhering to the highest standards of service, safety, cleanliness and comfort possible.
In contrast to the traditional dinner, bed and breakfast stay, stays at Hand Picked will be completely bespoke in all areas of hospitality. From the type of food guests desire to the recreational activities they want to pursue and whatever the makeup of their party Hand Picked will cater for all tastes, ages and group sizes to enjoy any length of stay - from a two-night romantic weekend to a month-long tour of the historic highlights of the British Isles.
Guests will be able to enjoy their choice of dining, from à la carte menus to more informal options served in the restaurant, on the terrace, in their bedrooms, in designated lounges or their own private dining room. Cinemas and lounge areas will be available for film screenings, and activities such as walking, yoga and Pilates will be offered alongside the use of pools and fitness centres once open.
As each of the 16 historic hotels in the UK and three Channel Island resorts are unique, the offering will be tailored to each destination, and proposals delivered to best match the guest requirements in their desired location. At the same time, Hand Picked is introducing "In Safe Hands" - an enhanced set of stringent health, safety and security measures designed in response to the Covid-19 outbreak, yet without compromising the service quality guests have come to expect. These include enhanced cleaning protocols, social distancing measures, contactless check in and check out, dedicated dining areas, certification from experts in health and safety plus a fully-flexible full refund booking policy should customers need to cancel due to Covid-19 concerns or issues.
Julia Hands, Chairman & CEO of Hand Picked Hotels commented: "I am looking forward to re-opening Hand Picked Hotels in a way that provides our guests with the freedom and the space to enjoy a truly memorable time within the beautiful countryside of the United Kingdom and the seascapes of the Channel Islands, knowing they are in safe hands whilst staying with us. "As we re-open our doors, we aim to raise the bar with regard to what country house hotels can provide through delivering a personalised service that makes guests really feel at home." Hand Picked Hotels will be launching custom-made guest experiences at all of its hotels from for stays up until December 2021. For more information visit https://www.handpickedhotels.co.uk
Local supplier spotlight: Stables Wellbeing Centre
If you're looking for something more relaxing than a big night out for your hen do, and a chance to unwind from the stresses of wedding planning, there's no better way to celebrate than with a spa weekend. The Zen Weekend at the Stables Wellbeing Centre is designed to leave you feeling calm, connected, and joyfully restored.
Picture a weekend cocooned in the Carmarthenshire countryside: laughter drifting through warm, sunlit studios; candlelit suppers where stories flow easily; mornings that begin with gentle movement and herbal teas. Spend your afternoons immersed in sound baths, forest walks, or creative rituals that honour friendship, life transitions, and the magic of womanhood.
READ ARTICLE
Pre-wedding nerves, relationship advice and the secrets to a long, happy marriage
Planning a wedding is one of the most exciting seasons in a couple's life. It is also one of the most emotionally revealing. As someone who has coached over 1,300 women into healthy, committed relationships and marriages through my Love Success Framework, I can tell you this: the way you handle wedding planning is often a preview of how you will handle marriage. Not because of the flowers. Not because of the guest list. But because of how you navigate stress, expectations, decision-making, and emotional needs together. A wedding is an event. A marriage is an energetic ecosystem.
READ ARTICLE
Wales Perfumery has announced the launch of The Celts Collection
Wales Perfumery has announced the launch of The Celts, a collection of five artisanal fragrances inspired by the distinct Celtic tribes of Wales, Scotland, Ireland, Cornwall, and Brittany. The range represents three years of historical research and olfactory innovation by perfumer Louise Smith.
Departing from traditional fragrance development, The Celts began with in-depth research into how Celtic peoples lived – what they traded, ate, and celebrated. Each scent features bespoke accords created exclusively for the collection, resulting in compositions that push the boundaries of fragrance creation and offer something truly distinctive for couples seeking a meaningful and unconventional scent for their big day.
READ ARTICLE
Thoughtful Wedding Gift Ideas for Gay Couples
The joy of a wedding is a beautiful occasion, and finding the perfect gift to celebrate a gay couple's special day is an opportunity to express your love and support. Beyond traditional registries, a wealth of unique and personal gifts can truly reflect their journey and shared future. This guide explores a range of inspiring ideas, highlighting some fantastic artisans and companies that cater to diverse tastes and celebrate love in all its forms.
