Travel by Helicopter: A Guide to Europe's Most Secluded Retreats - Get Heli
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After months of lockdown, travel opportunities are beginning to open up again – whether that be close to home or slightly further afield. Europe is home to many hidden gems: lesser- known villages and towns that are off- the-beaten-tracks, and rural retreats, where tranquillity abounds. This guide includes Get Heli’s top 7 destinations, where luxury and privacy collide. Some of these desirable locations also play host to high-profile sporting and social events during the rest of this year and beyond. 1. Bavarian Alps, Germany The breathtaking natural beauty of the Bavarian Alps Where to stay? Part of the Kempinski chain, the 5* provides the perfect backdrop for a secluded stay Kempinski Hotel Berchtesgaden offers awe-inspiring in the mountains. The opportunities are endless – views, impeccable luxury and true Bavarian hospitality. cross the border to Salzburg, or stay in Germany and Rooms start from 285€. discover more of the Bavaria region. Helipad is situated on hotel grounds. Where to dine? The hotel listed to the right has two Co-ordinates – 47° 38’ 2.263” N / 13° 2’ 47.602” E restaurants – Restaurant PUR held one Michelin star successively for 14 years, while for an intimate culinary, Johann Grill has been awarded 14 Gault Millau points and offers up a contemporary concept – ‘Alpine’ sharing menus. 2
2. Cotswolds, UK Rolling countryside, quaint villages and stately What to attend? The famous Cheltenham Festival – homes, the Cotswolds have been declared an Area of four days of top-class horse racing, featuring the crown Outstanding Natural Beauty. A pretty pocket of rural jewel in the jumps calendar, the Gold Cup. Dates: 16-19th England, spanning nearly 800 square miles across five March 2021. counties, you’ll find many secluded picturesque spots. Helipad is northeast of Cheltenham Racecourse – a Where to dine? Dormy House offers private dining in shuttle will be required to enter the main site. three intimate venues for up to 16 guests. Alternatively, Co-ordinates – 51° 55’ 31” N / 2° 3’ 20” W The Back Garden is open for dinner service. Showcasing the best of the Cotswolds, the menu also takes inspiration from Dormy House’s kitchen garden. Where to stay? A former 17th century farmhouse, Dormy House was named Hotel of the Year (2017) by Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH) and is one of three award-winning hotels, owned by Farncombe Estate. A 4* boutique hotel, providing the perfect rural retreat, rooms start from £279. Helipad is situated on the hotel grounds. Co-ordinates – 1° 50’ 32” W / 52° 2’ 44” N www.flickr.com/photos/charliedees 3. Elounda, Greece Elounda is a small seaside town, famed for its secluded Where to stay? Part of Marriott Bonvoy’s Luxury shores on the north coast of Crete. Home to a colourful Collection, the 5* Blue Palace Resort & Spa boasts harbour and traditional tavernas, it’s a slice of authentic extraordinary levels of privacy – from private dining, to Greece. private verandas and suites equipped with private infinity pools. Rooms start from 225€. Where to dine? Blue Palace, highlighted to the right, has its own exclusive beach and offers private dining, both in- Helipad is situated on the hotel grounds. room and on-location, giving the ultimate in VIP service. Co-ordinates – 35° 17’ 41” N / 25° 43’ 27” E Alternatively, Anthós, in the hotel’s organic garden, offers unspoilt views of inhabited islet Spinalonga, while you watch chefs prepare your elaborate menu in the open-air kitchen. 3
4. Isle of Wight, UK The Isle of Wight may be small, but it certainly leaves a What to attend? The iconic Isle of Wight Festival, big impact. The dramatic white cliffs of the Needles are of course. While this year’s spectacle may have been imposing, but with tranquil sand dunes and a mild balmy cancelled, next year’s promises to be the best yet. Dates: climate, it’s hard to believe the island is only a 30-minute 17-20th June 2021. Or alternatively, Cowes Week. Over helicopter ride from London’s Battersea. 180 years old, revel with like-minded regatta fans and enjoy the live entertainment also on offer. Dates: 31st Where to dine? The Restaurant at the Seaview Hotel July-7th, August 2021. is a five-time winner of the Bib Gourmand. With the emphasis very much on local food from island suppliers, Helipad is situated at Sandown Airport. diners are not only treated to a culinary experience – but Co-ordinates – 50° 39' 16.607" N / 1° 10' 47.615" W one with an unrivalled view. Helipad is situated at Sandown Airport. Co-ordinates – 50° 39’ 16.607” N / 1° 10’ 47.615” W Where to stay? The lavish but charming and privately- owned 5* Haven Hall Hotel. This Edwardian property is a 10-minute walk from Shanklin but offers peace and serenity within its two acres of garden. Rooms start from £340. Helipad is situated on the lower lawn at the hotel. Co-ordinates – 50° 38’ 11” N / 1° 10’ 12” W 5. Lake Como, Italy Just 20 minutes by helicopter from the bustle of Milan, What to attend? The Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este the beautiful shores of Lake Como offer an idyllic retreat is the ideal event for any classic car and motorcycle from city life – with peaceful and private spots to enjoy, enthusiast. The stunning Villa Erba provides the idyllic set against the foothills of the Alps. surroundings for such an occasion, which allows guests to choose their favourite motor vehicle – which in turn will Where to dine? Awarded one Michelin star in 2018, win the prestigious Coppa d’Oro Villa d’Este prize. Dates: Berton Al Lago at the Il Sereno Hotel. Indulge in the 28-30th May 2021. contemporary culinary delights of Chef Andrea Berton, who has been awarded four Michelin stars. Contemporary Onsite at the Villa Erba. Italian cuisine with wine pairings also available. Co-ordinates – 45° 50’ 46” N / 9° 4’ 44” E Where to stay? Il Sereno Hotel in Lake Como is a 5* establishment and part of the Sereno chain of four properties. Described by Bloomberg as ‘Europe’s most luxurious new hotel’ and voted second in the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2019, Il Sereno epitomises luxury and elegance. Rooms start from 935€. The helipad is located one minute away at sister property, Villa Pliniana. Co-ordinates – 45° 51’ 24.109” N / 9° 7’ 57.734” E 4
6. Monaco Monaco continues to charm guests, but away from the What to attend? The famous Monaco Yacht Show is casino at Monte Carlo, the world-famous Monaco Grand held annually at the iconic Port Hercules. One of the most Prix and the mega-yachts at Port Hercules, the old town of spectacular locations, view over 125 superyachts in an Le Rocher is a jewel in this principality’s crown. experience like no other around the world. Dates: 22-25th September 2021. Where to dine? Many sources say that the restaurants at the Monte Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort are worth a visit in Monte Carlo Helipad is situated in the district of their own right. Chef Marcel Ravin at Blue Bay has been Fontvieille. awarded one Michelin star. Combining the flavours of the Co-ordinates – 43° 43' 32.92" N / 7° 25' 9.782" E Mediterranean with the Caribbean, like their signature dish: organic egg with cassava, truffle and passion fruit, diners are sent on a unique culinary adventure. Where to stay? The 4* Monte Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort may be in the heart of Monte Carlo, but with its four hectares of gardens, featuring waterfalls, your stay can still be intimate and private. The exclusive resort offers plenty in the way of wellness and relaxation. Rooms start from 290€. Helipad is situated on resort grounds. Co-ordinates – 43° 44' 47" N / 7° 26' 20" E 7. Normandy, France Normandy is a region famed for its beaches, as well as its run at Longchamp, Paris since 1920. The racecourse rolling green countryside and architectural marvels. Less has recently been redeveloped to offer the ultimate than two hours away, the French capital, Paris is at your experience. Dates: 3-4th October 2020. disposal. Issy-les-Moulineaux Heliport is located in Paris, and Where to dine? Le Séran at Château d’Audrieu provides is roughly four miles from Longchamp Racecourse. guests with a gastronomical feast. The highest-quality Co-ordinates – 48° 49' 59" N / 2° 16' 22" E taster menus have been thoughtfully prepared by Relais & Châteaux chef, Olivier Barbarin, for a unique and luxurious Alternatively, the Barriere Deauville Polo Cup is a dining experience. À la carte options are also available. prestigious and unique event, taking place in Deauville on Where to stay? Set in an 18th century château on a grand the Normandy Coast. Players from all around the world estate, the 5* Château d’Audrieu offers the opportunity come together to participate, enjoying the beaches in the to travel back in time. Within 60 acres of exquisite gardens morning, before competing and enjoying the city’s charm and parkland, the hotel offers history and elegance in in the evening. Dates: 12-30th August 2020. equal measure. Part of the Relais & Châteaux family, rooms start from 281€. There are helipads close to the Polo Club. Co-ordinates – 49° 21' 3.294" N / 0° 5' 38.227" E Helipad is situated on hotel grounds. Co-ordinates – 49° 12' 16" N / 0° 35' 46" W What to attend? Travel to the capital for Europe’s second- most prestigious horse race (after the Epsom Derby), the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. This Grade 1 race has been 5
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