1 Summer Travel Inspiration - The Battered Black Book

Summer Travel Inspiration

Suffering from January Blues? With the cold weather and the grey skies of English Winter in full swing, we at BBB find our minds wandering to exotic places and sunnier climes…. Here is a little inspiration for those also starting to think about Summer holidays or shorter getaways somewhere lovely. All of these are fully endorsed by the BBB team as wonderful experiences and special places to visit. So why not speak to today, to see what she could do for you or your boss? She also has a wealth of other exciting and stunning locations around the globe, so get in touch on anna@thebbbook.com for more inspiration…


Head to Italy for La Dolce Vita…

Villa La Marcellina is just one of the stunning Tuscan villas BBB has access to. Situated on a 20-acre estate on a hill below the ancient hamlet of Panzano, the property consists of 3 villas that can be rented together, as a completely private estate, or separately. Each villa with it’s own pool, Villa delle Donne has 7 bedrooms, Villa Le Scuderie has 4 bedrooms and Villa Il Tinaio has 7 bedrooms (18 combined, so perfect for large families or groups of friends, accommodating up to 40 guests).

Located in the stunning region of Chianti, famous for its impressive vineyards and less than an hour’s drive from Florence airport, the impressive villas are very private, spacious and yet just a short walk away from Panzano village. After 4 years of careful restoration, keeping many original features and with new furnishings from all over Italy, the villas are not only beautiful but make use of geothermal and solar energy, to protect the environment.

Andalusian luxury in southern Spain…

Located in rolling foothills, the award-winning Finca Cortesin sits in luxurious seclusion between Marbella and Sotogrande. Set on a 215-hectare estate and surrounded by undisturbed nature, the property offer stylish accommodation, excellent facilities and first class service.

The hotel’s 67 beautifully designed suites and 10 villas have been inspired by traditional Andalusian architecture. The spacious, light-filled and exquisitely designed suites all feature impressive 4m-high ceilings. The villas, perfect for family groups or parties, are situated in a cluster just steps away from the main part of the hotel. Boasting one of Spain’s best 18-hole golf courses, a Michelin star restaurant, magnificent Beach Club, four pools, a luxurious spa, perfectly manicured gardens and two tennis courts, Finca Cortesin is a wonderful destination in its own right.

The resort’s privileged location means that Marbella, the capital of the Costa del Sol, as well as two of the most important marinas on the Mediterranean coast, Puerto Banús and Sotogrande, are just a short drive away. And, to make things even easier, the journey time to Malaga airport is just 50 minutes, whilst Gibraltar can be reached in just 15 minutes.

Conde Nast Traveller says “This is certainly one of Europe’s smartest places to escape to” – why not put it to the test yourself?

Sparkling waters of magical Mykonos…

Nestled into the hillside above Elia Bay, the 5-star Myconian Villa Collection is a unique and luxurious resort concept. The essence of Myconian beauty and lifestyle runs like a blue thread through a constellation of exceptionally spacious suites and rooms, while superb villas offer the discreet yet unbounded opulence of a private house on Mykonos, all complemented by personalised 5-star service around the clock.

Leaning into the mountain, the terraced villas have uninterrupted views of the Aegean, culminating in a 360-degree panorama on the vast entertainment deck with its cool bar, epicurean restaurant and saltwater infinity pool. Magnificent interiors offset the local vernacular with contemporary design, investing sophistication and comfort in every detail. Service of the highest standard affords a sense of effortless luxury and ease, as you move from the unparalleled comforts of your room to poolside pleasures, the world-class Thalasso spa, or simply venture down to the fine sand beach where parasols stand to attention over private loungers.

Perhaps charter a yacht on the Mediterranean…

For the ultimate in exclusivity, luxury and style, there is no better way than to arrive by private yacht. Whether you seek adventure, relaxation or simply want to see the world as few have, BBB can make your dreams come true. No holiday on earth compares to one that floats on water!

Yacht charters allow access to a wide range of vessels from 20 metre sport yachts to 70+ metre mega yachts, equipped with the latest entertainment, gym and spa facilities. This variety of yachts allows us to create the perfect escape, meeting your budget and requirements.

Apart from the wealth of onboard activities to entertain you, it is the Captain and crew that make a yacht truly unique. Their skills are exemplary, from highly trained Chefs who will cater to your every desire, to the Hostesses, Stewards and Deckhands who will make your charter seemingly effortless. Many yachts offer Silver service creating fantastic culinary affairs in unrivalled surroundings.

Let us help tailor make an experience just for you that will exceed your expectations…

Or for the more adventurous…

Escape to the furthest reaches of the earth in the Arctic North to experience an untouched wilderness and unique wildlife in a setting both rugged and fragile. More polar bears than people live here among snowy peaks, gleaming glaciers, vast ice fields and blue-tinged icebergs, ever lit by the midnight sun during summer. This is a Summer holiday with a difference!

Wake up to a world of blue and white. Watch polar bears hunt for seals. Cruise bays backdropped by glaciers. Spot Arctic foxes, seabirds and reindeer from the decks of your luxury expedition Yacht. Take Zodiac safaris around icebergs.

This is a unique opportunity to enjoy a circumnavigation of Svalbard on either a luxury Expedition Yacht or Oyster Sail Yacht in June/July 2018. For the first time, you will able to charter a cabin (or multiple) through BBB rather than taking the whole yacht!

Classic glamour in the South of France

The Château Saint-Martin & Spa is a 5-star luxury sanctuary where historic Provence charm has been restyled for the most elegant contemporary lifestyle. Set amid picturesque rocky hills and olive groves, this inspirational hotel is distinguished by spectacular panoramic views. Perched up in the Vence hills, just 20 km from both Nice and Antibes, Chateau Saint Martin is the perfect retreat from the bustle of the Cote d Azur, yet close enough that you can pop down for dinner at a moment’s notice!

All the guestrooms and suites at Château Saint-Martin & Spa have new interior designs, while fresh air and sunlight come naturally to this spectacular setting overlooking the Côte d’Azur. Six private bastide-style villas are also secluded on the hillside, each with one, two or three bedrooms.

Superb facilities also include Michelin-starred dining, an exclusive wine cellar, a kids club, luxury spa, fitness centre, tennis courts and a stunning infinity pool.

For more information about any of these, or to discuss other Summer travel ideas you may have, please contact Anna at anna@thebbbook.com