The Ultimate Luxury Mini Break for Foodies and Ferrari Fans
The Ultimate Luxury Mini Break for Foodies and Ferrari Fans
Where? Belmond Le Manoir Aux Quat’Saison, the UK’s most prolific gastronomic hotel with head chef and creator Raymond Blanc.
When? March 2017
Why? What do you get if you cross the UK’s most prestigious gastronomic hotel, Frances most celebrated two Michelin starred chef, Raymond Blanc and one of Italy’s finest, luxury, super cars for the weekend? The ultimate European Style Traveller mini break, that’s what! No Brexit here thank you!
When the guys at Ferrari asked me if I wanted to take out their uber yellow California T for a spin, I couldn’t think of a more appropriate place to drive to than my all time ‘gastro goals’ hotel in the UK, The Belmond Le Manoir Aux Quat Saison. Both perfectly fabulous luxury brands.
So without further a do I got on the road and started my mini Ferrari weekender of two parts. Here’s my Style Traveller photo diary of The Ultimate Luxury UK Mini break…
The Hotel
The concept of celebrated chef Raymond Blanc OBE, Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons is widely acclaimed as Britain’s finest gastronomic hotel and culinary school.
Situated in a spectacular manor house in the heart of the Oxfordshire countryside, the idyllic grounds, lawns, orchards, vegetable and herb gardens provide the perfect setting for Raymond Blanc’s cookery school and sensational, cutting edge restaurant.
In 1984 the hotel was awarded two Michelin stars and has remarkably accomplished holding on to them ever since.
Above and below: Bonnie wears top by OwnTheLook.com, skirt by La Mania, shoes by Kurt Geiger, jacket by Comptoir de Cottoniers and car by Ferrari :)
The Rooms
There are 32 exquisitely appointed rooms and suite at the manor house hotel. Each with individual decor and theme. I was very lucky to be the very first guest to stay in the newly appointed Chinoiserie suite, celebrating the art and design of the Far East. The centrepiece is a silk half poster bed, backed by a custom-designed Knowles and Christou mirror and through the glass door to the side is a private garden terrace, a most idyllic place in which to unwind.
Upon arrival I was treated to a rather lovely gift waiting for me in my room! Thank you!
Time for a pre dinner stroll in the spectacular grounds, organic vegetable and herbs gardens and the pretty oriental garden with ponds.
Bonnie wears: Black dress by Versace, boots by Sorel, cardigan by ST Studios, scarf by Burberry.
Chill out time before dinner. Bonnie wears underwear by La Perla, cardigan by ST Studio, cuff by Cornelia Webb.
Time to get ready. Bonnie wears Razan Alazzouni blouse, ring by Bvlgari, lipstick by Mac.
The Food
Without doubt the most anticipated part of the trip is dinner in the main restaurant, it’s the big event. Renowned as one of the UK’s most exciting culinary experiences we had no option but to go for the full 7 course tasting menu with accompanying wine pairings. It would rude not to, non?
So after aperitifs by the fire in the lounge (above) we moved over to the conservatory to let the maestro do his magic…it’s over to you Monsieur Blanc!
Charlie and I getting excited for our 7 course extravaganza! Here’s some of the shots of our exceptionally presented plates.
Confit Salmon Cucumber Horseradish
Bouillabaisse, Red mussels, and Brandade
Lamb, artichoke, cassoulet
Late season raspberry beetroot gourmandine
And finally… the cheese course of course!
Wow that was pretty impressive, a mix of innovative ingredients and spectacular flavours, all brought together to create the perfect menu. I loved it!! Now after all that eating..so to bed…
Wake up sleepy head! All that eating makes you tired, so we ordered breakfast in bed, but there was so much to eat we had the set the table anyway!
Time for a quick bike ride around the grounds, in a feeble attempt to work off some of last nights incredible meal!
And back in the Ferrari ready for the drive to location number two, Danesfield House in Marlow.
Thank you so so much Belmond Le Manoir Aux Quat’Saisons that truly was an unforgettable experience and something I’d been wanting to experience for years. Can’t wait to visit again soon. Might need to go a diet for while though first :)
Bon voyage xx
I love the color of your lipstick. You are looking super sexy in White Dress and offcourse the place seems to be so unique and food looks so yummy.
Oh my word, what a stunning venue. Beautiful grounds, organic gardens and the food looks superb. Incredible experience, you lucky girl!
Looks like a lovely place. I would love to take a break here. The food looks amazing. Lovely pictures :)
Wow, that seems like a really wonderful start to your getaway – luxurious and utterly beautiful! Your dinner looked amazing, and I loved that black dress.
What a beautiful hotel and set on the most stunning grounds. I love me so Raymond Blanc, yuo always know that his menu is going to be spot on and from what I see, it certainly is. x
Looks beautiful! I’d love to go there!
Looks like you guys had an awesome time at this venue. But that food looked totally amazing.
Oh my gosh, what a gorgeous area. The food looks delicious too. And that car! Nice!
Wow!! What a stunning escape! It’s always wonderful to discover hidden gems in this world! Like secret gardens in real life!
This looks like such a wonderful place to visit! Dinner looked heavenly and I’d love to see the organic gardens
Oh my goodness! I’m totally speechless! The Belmond Le Manoir Aux Quat’Saison hotel is absolutely stunning then you add the AH-MAZING food – seriously, it would be SO so hard to leave!! The cheese course looked phenomenal too!
This place is absolutely breathtaking. I wouldn’t call myself a Ferrari fan but I do love good food and I wouldn’t mind staying for the weekend! It’s a visual feast!
This would be a once in a lifetime experience. I am in awe. Every detail looks amazing.
Wow! The food looks amazing. The views are stunning. This looks like a dream vacation come true. You look stunning as well!
That looks like a wonderful vacation! I would love to visit and enjoy a weekend away from everything.
The foodie in me is so so so so so envious! I love it, and your style is simply exquisite. looks like a place to die for!
Oh my gosh, I love this post. Everything looks so dreamy. The hotel, the food, the area, looks like something out of a movie. Thank you for sharing.
What a wonderful mini-vacation. Hell, yes, I will take the Ferrari a spin, and be pampered with delicious food, and elegant accommodations.
It certainly looks like it was an incredible experience. All of the food looks amazing. I would have been sad to go with all of that fabulous food they served.
You are so lucky. I can’t wait to visit. Everything is so stunning.
That looks like a dream vacation. A ferarri, hotel that looks like a castle, and an amazing meal! You go girl!
Wow! I may not qualify as a Ferrari fan, although they are nice cars, but you have me with the atmosphere and the FOOD! What a beautiful place!
I would love to see this place one day! What is better than Food and Ferraris?!
Wowie what an incredible experience, that food looks amazing x
oh wow this place looks and sounds amazing the pictures are just beautiful
It looks like you had quite a spectacular time! The scenery is stunning and the food looks amazing. What an awesome event to attend!
Wow this place looks so stunning! and the photos are so great!
Very elegant and beautiful place. I loved the photos and the Ferrari too.
Looks like you had such an amazing time there. Everything looks so luxurious and awesome. The food pictures are my favorite. Yumm!
I love food so this would be perfect! I honestly just want to travel to sight see and eat. LOL
Beautiful views from your hotel. Looks like you had a wonderful time.
This was in my dream a few nights ago. MY PERFECT VACA
This looks like an amazing getaway. I would have been in heaven driving a Ferrari.
How fancy! I bet you enjoyed it… Sure it was expensive…
It looks like you had an amazing trip! Love the cars and the grounds and the room. It is all amazing! Great outfits too!
Omg what a fabulous vacation spot!!! Nothing beats yummy food and fabulous cars!!!
That looks like such a grand vacation! The hotel looks elegant, the food looks amazing…oh and the Ferrari!
Wow! That looks like am amazing little break with every luxury catered for. Love the car, I am parital to brightly coloured cars!!!
Wow! That looks like am amazing little break with every luxury catered for. Love the car, I am partial to brightly coloured cars!!!
I’ve always wanted to go here, and will be booking in very soon. Thank you for such a wonderful insight to an exceptional hotel and restaurante
Oh thanks you should defo go there
This looks like a very beautiful place to visit. Thanks for sharing your experience