I am so happy to have nearly finished all the planning for our holiday and breaks this year. I think those who don’t organise trips don’t realise how much work it takes: looking at all the options, calculating the best itineraries, finding the cheapest prices..

Anyway, it’s done and this year, with Covid travel restrictions properly lifting, we are going to go a bit more outside of the UK, finally!

February half term – Bordeaux region, France

As I publish this post, we are already in France. This is going to be less of an escape and more of a family reunion, and for the most part, doing some reconnaissance for a potential second home purchase.

We are returning to some tried and tested hotels.

Les Sources de Caudalie is closed for renovation but their annex in the woods nearby is open. It’s called la Chartreuse du Thil. I actually look forward to staying in this more intimate manor which looks like a typical classic bourgeois house.

Le Saint James, Bouliac. We celebrated my 50th there and it’s an easy base to go explore the Medoc region. Looking forward to the gastronomic diner too!

La Maison du Bassin, Cap Ferret We will hopefully manage a quick day escape to our beloved Cap Ferret. We went there in February a few years ago and were blessed with wonderful weather so fingers crossed! We’re staying at La Maison du Bassin, which is the most charming hotel there, beyond the fabulous Villa Mogador.

March – A personal retreat in the UK

I have a couple of days left on my annual leave so I’m going to have a cheeky midweek stay at a UK boutique hotel on my own. I haven’t decided yet between the Double Red Duke, Hampton Manor, the Rectory, Barnsley House, etc.. I’ll let you know of course once I have decided.

April – Ireland

We loved Scotland and so are really looking forward to discovering Ireland. We will be staying at two luxury hotels which should be quite something.

Cashel Palace is one of the new hotels I listed in my annual selection of new boutique hotels opening. High expectations for this place.

Adare This is a legend in Ireland, very classic, very old fashioned but apparently with a level of service that is impressive. Can’t wait!

May – Paris

I have a work meeting planned in May so I will take this opportunity to finally go back. I tried many times in the past few months and this was cancelled due to Covid etc.. Mr Bigg will join me for a romantic weekend so we’ll stay at the newly redecorated Saint James Paris.

There are also two new hotels in the 15th arrondissement, where I used to live, that opened so I may try one of them. Hotel Ami and Hotel Wallace.

June – couple break and Portugal

Mademoiselle has a Duke of Edinburgh practice weekend so we are looking forward to finally trying the spa at Heckfield Place. Fingers crossed that it will be open in time.

Then we collect Mademoiselle and we are off for a few days to Portugal. We had our very first romantic trip there when we started dating.

This time, I am really excited to go and stay at Sao Lourenco do Barocal, which seems to be right up my alley: luxury in the middle of nowhere, no fuss, simple but beautiful design and great food and lots to explore around. We will end with one day in Lisbon. I’m still deciding on the hotel there.

Summer – Greece

I am SO pleased with this. Greece is one of my favourite countries to spend the summer and it’ll be my 6th time there. I’m looking forward to Mr Bigg and Mademoiselle discovering the beauty of the Cyclades.

We really have a treat in store, first staying at Eros Keros, where my sister and brother stayed before. Anita, the owner, is absolutely delightful and I can’t wait to finally meet her.

Then we will go to a very special place, The Rooster. This is really an extravagance, given the price, but you live only once!

We really liked adding a third week working from France last year so we will do the same but I don’t know where yet.

We also may do a last summer escape in Royal Champagne hotel as Mademoiselle will be at the Rock en Scène festival in Paris.

October – Umbria

Mademoiselle will have a very interesting school trip to Krakow in October so I jumped on the opportunity to take Mr Bigg to an hotel I’ve been eyeing since I announced it in my new hotels 2021. Castello di Reschio has everything we love: a beautiful setting, a unique interior design, great service, old stones, a stunning pool and of course delicious food.

And you, did you plan all your 2022 travels yet?