A Refresher Course Between Christmas & New Year

Oct. 22, 2013 - PRLog -- Now let someone else do the cooking.  Twixmas, December 27-29, falls on a weekend this year so there’s every reason to make a relaxing break of the in-between time.  A dose of Relais & Châteaux pampering is guaranteed to rest, refresh and revive you after Christmas, and give strength for New Year’s Eve.

Relais & Chateaux’s UK and Ireland Twixmas offers start from just under £115 per person per night and vary from a stay in a National Trust stately home to a weekend with a wine masterclass and a five-course meal with wine-and-food pairings.  A list of Twixmas offers (ascending in price), is detailed: prices quoted are per person per night based on 2 sharing, and include VAT and service.  All subject to availability.  For reservations: www.relaischateaux.com / 00 800 2000 00 02 (toll-free).

AIRDS HOTEL and RESTAURANT in Argyll, Scotland: an idyllic setting in Port Appin with lovely views across Loch Linnhe.  The Twixmas package is priced from £114.33 pppn for a minimum of three nights, including a fabulous five-course gourmet dinner and full Scottish breakfast. (Saves £259 per couple over 3 nights.)

LONGUEVILLE MANOR in Jersey: the classic country house hotel experience, and a chance to explore a fascinating island.  The Twixmas offer is priced from £115 pppn for a minimum of two nights, including car hire, a specially created premier breakfast, ½ bottle of Champagne and a gift on arrival, one full afternoon tea and one three-course table d’hôte dinner.

MALLORY COURT HOTELin Warwickshire: a gorgeous manor house on the outskirts of Leamington Spa perfectly positioned for post-Christmas shopping and leisurely country walks.   The Twixmas deal is priced from £160 pppn including dinner in the popular Brasserie and breakfast. (Saves £118 per couple per night.)

GRAVETYE MANOR in Sussex: at any time of year William Robinson’s quintessential English natural garden is an inspiration to keen and aspiring gardeners.  At Twixmas, Gravetye’s winter holiday is priced from £174.75 pppn for a minimum of four nights.  Breakfast each day, one dinner, one lunch and one afternoon tea are all included as is a charming heritage steam train ride with the Bluebell Railway, which stops on Gravetye’s doorstep. (Saves £51 per couple over 2 nights.)

HAMBLETON HALL near Rutland Water: in a stunning lakeside location, the perfect bolthole for the food and wine connoisseur.  Twixmas prices from £187.50 pppn including a three course à la carte dinner, breakfast and a morning paper; add a second night and opt for the gourmet six-course tasting menu. (Saves £130 per couple over 2 nights.)

GILPIN HOTEL & LAKE HOUSE in the Lake District: outside may be a magical winter scene of frozen lakes and snow-capped peaks, but a warm welcome is guaranteed inside, with outstanding cuisine and an open fire. Twixmas offers are priced from £198 pppn to include a terrific five-course dinner and breakfast.

CLIVEDEN HOUSE HOTEL in Berkshire: a landmark National Trust property in the Thames Valley, rich in royal history and scandal, and commanding 376 rolling acres of heritage gardens, park, woods and river bank. The Twixmas offer is priced from £216 per night and includes full English breakfast and free access to the superb spa. (Saves £90 over 3 nights.)

THE VINEYARD in Berkshire: a happy marriage of fine wine and vintage 20^th Century art.  Book the Chill Out & Revive package for Twixmas priced from £310 pppn and enjoy bubbles with brunch, a five-course dinner - each course paired with wine – a wine masterclass, a 55-minute spa treatment and a walk with mulled wine and treats. Let the Vineyard organise a day at the Newbury races on the 28^th (£20 per person).

BALLYFIN DEMESNE in Co. Laois, Ireland: a sumptuous mansion and 614-acre estate, offering the ultimate in seclusion and gracious Irish living.  The Twixmas full-board offer is priced from €457.50 pppn to include all meals, pre-dinner drinks, tea/coffee/homemade cakes and cookies, laundry/pressing and WiFi. (Saves €60 per couple per night.)

Twixmas reservations with Relais & Châteaux are available now: www.relaischateaux.com / 00 800 2000 00 02 (toll-free).