T R A V E L
ESCAPE Routes
Escape to a
foodie retreat
Celebrating its 25th year, Raymond
Blanc’s country pile Le Manoir aux
Quat’ Saisons is a foodie institution.
Anyone with a whiff of an interest in
food (especially those with a Saturday
Kitchen addiction) should eat there
at least once in their lives. With two
Michelin stars under his belt and the
most beautiful manor house Stylist has
ever stayed in, Raymond has created
the perfect hideaway in Great Milton,
Oxfordshire. The Raymond Blanc
Cookery School is also tucked away
here, which means you can combine
a country hotel visit, gourmet meal
and a day’s cooking lesson into
one amazing weekend.
Why it’s hot Food aside,
the hotel is also spectacularly
indulgent. Each generously
sized room is decorated with a
different theme. Stylist stayed
in the Stendhal-inspired
Le Rouge et le Noir room
– a luxurious boudoir.
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Eating and drinking This hotel is
dedicated to food… so go on an empty
stomach and be prepared to feast. The
Menu Découverte (a 10-course tasting
menu) is the only way to go – although
if you’re feeling picky you can choose
à la carte. The charming team whisk
you to a fireside sofa, while plying you
with drinks, olives and popcorn (FYI:
eating this is a rookie’s mistake – you’ll
need the room later). Before moving
to the restaurant, you’re treated to a
platter of impeccably presented amuse
bouche. Surprisingly substantial,
they’re a teaser for what’s to come:
tartar of tuna with savoury custard,
melt-in-the-mouth salmon with wasabi,
Dover sole with cauliflower purée…
each dish more elaborate than the last.
After six savoury courses – with wines
to match – there’s an additional course
WHAT’S RED AND
BLACK ALL OVER?
UTTER UTTER PARADISE
LE MANOIR AUX
QUAT’ SAISONS: THE
PERFECT BREAK
from the cheese trolley before dessert.
We politely declined, but words cannot
explain how much Stylist wanted to
dive into the cheese mountain. Three
desserts later, appetites truly sated, we
celebrated our achievement… but our
toast came too soon. As coffees were
served so were handmade chocolates
– which would’ve been rude not to eat.
Rolling back to our room, Stylist vowed
never to eat ever again. Until breakfast.
Photo opportunity Sidle up alongside
the manor house or strike a pose
by the artichoke sculpture.
Purse-friendly alternative
Home Farm House B&B, £75 a night,
is in the neighbouring village of
Holton (homefarmholton.co.uk).
It’s a three-mile walk – ideal for
building up an appetite.
One-Day Seasonal Dinner Party Course,
£310 per person (18-21 February and
throughout the year); bed and breakfast,
from £460; Menu Découverte, £130 per
person; Food & Wine Cookery Course, from
£910 (includes a day’s tuition, overnight
accommodation and five-course Les
Classiques du Manoir aux Quat’ Saisons);
manoir.com
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HOLIDAY HUNTER
VACATION LIKE IKE
CARRIE & CO O
Marrakech is tipped ipped
to be the holiday day spot
of 2010 since the
SATC girls decamped camped
there to film the he new
movie (out 28 May).
Get three nights hts for
the price of two wo at
four-star hotel
Es Saadi. The £419
price tag includes des
flights and transfers, nsfers,
until 29 March
(kirkerholidays.com). s.com).
SJP: YOU WOULDN’T
WANT TO SIT NEXT TO
HER ON THE BEACH
ROCK’N’ROLL L L BREAK
Fancy laying down your own
track at the ultra-exclusive
Wendyhouse Production studio,
before retreating to the K West
Hotel, London, for a night of
pampering? It’s all part of their
new Rock’n’Roll package, £529
for two people (k-west.co.uk).
OUT OF OFFICE
The Destinations Holiday & Travel
show hits the capital this week.
Hundreds of travel companies
will be showcasing their
destinations and giving exclusive
show offers. Holiday dilemma
solved. 4-7 Feb at Earls Court,
£10 (destinationsshow.com).
IT’S ONE SMALL
STEP AWAY FROM
SYNCHRONISED SWIMMING
STRICTLY DANCE HOLIDAY
The five-star Phoenicia Hotel in
Malta is launching the Strictly
Malta Dance Holiday so you can
combine a week in the sun with
expert dance tuition. Learn to
waltz, foxtrot or samba around
their ballroom and then recline
in one of their 128 rooms or eight
suites. From just £372 for two
people (phoeniciamalta.com).
WORDS��LISA�SMOSARSKI��AMY�GRIER��PHOTOGRAPHY��REX�FEATURES
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