Kent is no stranger to luxury. Beyond the sandy bays, chalky cliffs, fisherman cottages and even windmills, community members also await the opening of the Radisson Blu hotel in 2024. The spa and swimming pool, along with the bar and restaurant from which guests can explore The London Resort, are certainly exciting additions to add to the local landscape.
However, until it opens, residents will have plenty of opportunities to make the most out of their summers in the meantime. For Dartford residents who want to explore the wider world when it comes to luxury travel and holidays, this list is for you.
Heckfield Place
Let’s start a little closer to home with the most impressive country hotel in England. This is Heckfield Place, set over 400 acres in the Hampshire countryside. With contemporary pieces paired with antiques, and lush colours combined with muted beiges and taupes, the laidback luxury of the property manifests in a lack of formality despite the sophistication of the interiors.
Here, guests can enjoy top-tier electronics available in every room, and enjoy all the expected English favourites at the in-house restaurant. Afterwards, visitors are welcomed to visit the hotel’s Bothy spa that uses local Wildsmith Skin beauty products, as well as the on-property gym that is run and designed by London-based fitness experts Bodyism.
Explora Luxury Cruises
Perhaps you find tranquillity out on the water. If that’s the case, you may consider Explora Luxury Cruises for holidays that begin at the journey before the destination. Between diving into the wild side of Ibiza and flying the ultimate jet warbird in Latvia with Explora’s Beyond Boundaries experiences, guests can also take full advantage of the plethora of luxury services aboard their ship.
The Explora I encompasses more than 2,500 square metres of outdoor space that houses 64 cabanas. Guests can enjoy the surrounding 3 swimming pools for a dose of Vitamin D, before heading to their suites designed with modern European craftsmanship and vibrant design.
Beyond the water festivities, guests can also enjoy the art gallery and curated shopping experiences below deck, and end the night in one of the ten bars and lounges with curated entertainment and intimate performances.
City of Dubai
If you can only fit one city in the trip during your summer holidays, make the most out of the choice and head over to the crown jewel of the United Arab Emirates. Majority of the city was built in the last 50 years, and is thus updated with the latest trends in design and technology. Visitors can enjoy the lavish suites, award-winning spas and fine dining restaurants while admiring the gravity-defying skyscrapers decorating the city.
For a break from the urban luxury of the city, tourists can even take a speedboat 15 minutes away from the city’s shoreline to Anantara World Islands. This is one of the latest in Dubai’s multi-billion dollar mega-projects. On par with Bali or the Maldives, this luxury resort blends Thai roots and Emirati traditions to produce the ultimate luxe playground for the rich and famous.
Forte Village
For travellers looking for a destination that can be thoroughly enjoyed by all ages, Forte Village Resort in the South of Sardinia may be the better option. This stands at the top tier of luxurious, family-friendly beach vacations — with plenty of in-house classes such as painting or ceramics for children while parents get to dip their toes in the newly renovated 75,000-square-foot spa.
These are only a few options that may catch the eye of Dartford residents looking to go on summer holidays. For more advice, local insights, and international news all year round, Dartford Living will continue to offer its services for the betterment of the community.
