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Ski Trip April 2019

Battered Black Book were invited by ALS Ski and AirX to bring a select group on a fabulous trip to Lech, to experience first-hand, 3 days of mountain luxury that they regularly book for their bosses; flying by private jet and sampling some of the best food, accommodation and activities the area has to offer.

The BBB Blogger attempts to do the trip justice…

It was a suitably grey Monday morning to escape London as we started to gather at Luton Private Terminal around 11.30am, all set for a 12 noon take-off – as it turns out, and as the more experienced PJ travelers amongst us demonstrated, with no check-in or immigration queues to contend with, 30mins is far too early…there’s really no need to allow more time than you would to board a bus. But for a number of the guests, although very familiar with booking private jets, this was our first time travelling on one and without having to play it cool around clients / principals, we were all rather excited!

On boarding the Bombardier Challenger 850, we were treated like royalty, with champagne and a delicious selection of canapés and fresh fruit. Our host for the week, ALS Ski’s indomitable Bella had curated stunning goodie bags for the guests, including all sorts of glamorous ski ‘essentials’; Bracelets from Florence London, sunglasses from Taylor Morris, hats and keyring from Popski, Levison Wood books, bottles of gin from Ableforth’s Gin and beauty products from Bux @ Bewl. An incredible selection and set the tone for the spoiling days ahead.

The flight was a mere 90 minutes (if only it was longer…) but included a particular treat for Sarah, who was invited to take a seat in the cockpit for landing, which was an incredible experience for her and a lovely touch from the AirX pilots…who became rather popular amongst the guests…

At 2.30pm local time we landed at Zurich Private Terminal and within a matter of minutes, we were through private immigration, our luggage was transferred to two luxury transfer vehicles and we were on the road to Lech. Not a finger raised.

After 2 hours on the road, enjoying breath-taking scenery and gradually seeing blue sky and cityscapes change to snow and mountains, we arrived in Lech. Excitement was building as just a few hours after leaving grey Luton, we were in the magical Narnia-like setting of Alpine beauty.

The party was split between two accommodations – Severin*s and Aurelio with both parties feeling they lucked out with their allocated accommodation! At Severin*s, our delightful host, Cecily showed us around the stunning property; a beautiful combination of classic Austrian architecture and contemporary design, artwork and technology, including Loewe TVs / Revox sound systems in every room. The property consists of the hotel (exclusively Suites) and The Residence, a sprawling 4 bedroom private chalet with cinema room, grand piano and outside hot tub (natch!). Both buildings have direct access to a full wellness spa featuring an indoor pool, gym, 2 saunas, steam room and infrared cabin.

No time to enjoy the spa just yet…

Bella had organized a fabulous horse-drawn sleigh ride around Lech – we all piled in and wrapped up with blankets, as we were taken through breath-taking scenery of crisp white snow and village life – very Dr Zhivago. A wise member of the group had the foresight not to depend purely on blankets for warmth and had popped to the Spa (shop, not wellness) returning with copious amounts of Schnapps, so by the time we returned to Severin*s, the group was in high spirits. It may have been around this point that Alasdair floated the idea of extending the trip and delaying Wednesday’s return flight by a few hours – unsurprisingly, the suggestion was unanimously endorsed. And an insight into how a change of circumstances, or simply a whim, AirX can easily accommodate changes to guests’ plans.

Returning to our hotels for some downtime to unpack, relax and prepare for dinner, most repaired to their rooms but BBB managed to sneak in a quick visit to the fabulous spa for swim, sauna, steam.

We then gathered for pre-dinner drinks [can you sense a theme here…?!] in the wine cellar at Severin*s, made all the more special by champagne flutes from Becky Broome individually engraved with each of our names! Such a thoughtful touch and another example of the wonderful attention to detail by ALS.

The dinner that followed at the Residence was sublime – delicious food cooked from a menu created especially for us and served by Severin*s private chef. It was agreed that both dinner and chef were mouth-watering. A screening in the private cinema was planned for after dinner, however first-night-itis was taking hold so we gathered around the piano and laughed the night away – it turned out that BBB had assembled a very jolly group!

The next morning, despite slightly foggy heads, we rose for breakfast in our respective hotels either bright and early / at our leisure depending upon whether we were skiing or spa-ing. Bella and Emma from ALS, Georgia and BBB decided to hit the slopes. As we’d already sent through our measurements, skiing ability and hire requirements before leaving London, ski hire was seamless and having left the hotel shortly after 9am, we were kitted out, p the mountain and had completed our first 3 runs by 10.15am.

Despite some us not having skied for some years, we soon got our ski legs back and were all of a similar ski level, so following Bella’s lead, were soon bombing down the mountain and blowing last night’s cobwebs away.

It’s worth noting that Lech is a very family friendly resort, with a variety of slopes and wide pistes many of which are above the tree-line with great visibility.

It was then revealed that it was Bella’s birthday…so a mid-morning pit-stop was called for to celebrate! Following fizzy refreshments, fully fortified, we skied on until lunchtime to reconvene with the rest of the group for lunch at Hotel Kristiania. Navigation hadn’t been an issue up until the point that BBB thought they’d spotted a more direct route to Kristiania – unfortunately BBB was mistaken. We found ourselves heading the wrong way along a cross-country ski lane that eventually met the road. However, with a click of her fingers, Bella had the hotel’s driver locate us and we were collected within minutes – yet another illustration of ALS’s exemplary service that VIP clients can depend upon.

Lunch at Kristiania was a particular highlight for BBB – it was lovely to see the reunited gang sharing their morning’s experiences, clearly having a blast and firm friendships being formed.

The Kristiania staff gave us such a warm welcome, were incredibly attentive but relaxed and informal. Lunch itself was outstanding Haute Cuisine, accompanied by sensational wine, including a particularly memorable Austrian pinot noir…

Back up the mountain after lunch, this time to toboggan down(!) before being ferried back to our hotels for some downtime before the evening’s activities…

Before dinner Axel and Claudia from Aurelio took us to view two other incredible properties that are right up BBB’s Strasse: Chalet Mimi and Chalet Arula. Both are utterly stunning, super-high spec and very James Bond, complete with private pools, underground parking, private wellness spas, private ice-rinks and beautiful furnishings and lighting throughout. Naturally, they are both ski-in-ski-out.

Perfect properties for principals who require the very highest standards, while also enjoying total privacy.

At Chalet Mimi, we were treated to gorgeous canapés from the chalet’s private chef and yet more champagne, before heading back to Aurelio for dinner, a sensational 8-course tasting menu, followed by digestifs in the drawing room. A marvellous way to round up an incredible day.

On Wednesday morning, we rose gradually, umm-ing and ahh-ing as to whether we could squeeze in one last ski, although deep down knowing that the spa would win over. At this point, BBB must declare an absolute obsession with Austrian breakfasts; homemade granolas, yoghurts, fresh fruits, hams, salamis, cheeses, fabulous breads and eggs prepared any which way. There’s no better start to the day.

Following a lazy morning, those of us staying in Severin*s were given a tour of Hotel Aurelio and Chalet Aurelio all they have to offer – the epitome of a traditional Alpine hotel in the very best sense (including their own charming alpacas) but again, amazingly appointed with superb facilities and incredibly located at the foot of the mountain, where the piste meets the town.

Having extended our stay by a few hours, there was time for one final flourish from Bella; a traditional Tyrolean lunch of Fondue, Gröstl, Raclette and Schnitzel.

As we rolled out of the restaurant, our transfers (pre-loaded with our luggage) swooped in to collect us and start the journey home. We were soon re-boarding our Bombardier and once the champagne was flowing again (this time remembering to hold on to our glasses on take-off!) we set off back towards London.

On arriving back into Luton, it was another short stroll from the plane (Lynn’s principals’ driver was already waiting for her airside!), through immigration at the private terminal and literally within minutes, we were on the road.

And definitely with a tinge of sadness – an unforgettable whirlwind of a trip, experiencing the very highest levels of hospitality imaginable, with an incredible gang, we had all become very accustomed to the lifestyle. None of which would have been possible without the vision and attention to detail from Bella and her whole ALS team and the incredible generosity of Alasdair and everyone at AirX.

Through BBB you can be assured of the very best service with Partners such as ALS and AirX on board and of course, do contact Anna at anna@thebbbook.com with any enquiries.

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10 Castle Street – Weekend Away with Sophie…

Long term SORTED friend and Estate Manager Sophie Simmance booked a weekend away through Battered Black Book to stay at Dorset hideaway 10 Castle Street. She enjoyed the weekend so much, she wanted to share it with you…

Tucked away on the edge of Dorset’s Cranborne Chase, 10 Castle Street (part of the Kasteel Collection) makes an excellent first impression. The immaculate grounds dotted with beautiful sculptures and manicured gardens surrounding the striking red brick of this Grade II listed country mansion.
We step into the entrance and are greeted by eclectic art, a roaring fire and two well-heeled guests who are passing through arm-in-arm, laughing warmly as they say their goodbyes to a member of the hotel staff in the Drawing Room.
Joe, the friendly and welcoming Hotel Director seems to be expecting us and greets us by name. Checking in is a breeze and we’re given a little tour of the many interesting rooms en route to our Junior Suite (Room 8). We pass through many-cushioned sitting rooms, a play room for younger guests, inviting meeting rooms and additional bar areas. It’s a rabbit warren of cosy, social spaces decorated harmoniously in classical country styling with colonial accents and a selection of carefully curated artworks from Mayfair’s Messum’s gallery and Camden’s Cob Gallery – all available for sale.
The largest of nine rooms (35.34 sqm), our room boasts a super king size bed (not two double beds pushed together thank you very much) in a space large enough to also include a comfortable living area with immense windows, allowing in floods of natural light overlooking the extensive rear gardens. Our bathroom is as big as most standard hotel rooms with similarly gorgeous views to the back of the estate. Deep bathtub and shower with high water pressure – check. Squishy, white bath robes – check. Lovely toiletries and that little sewing kit that nobody uses but whose presence feels oddly reassuring – check. There’s even an option to have room 8 turn into a family suite by adjoining with neighbouring room 9.
After a moment to ourselves we decide to explore the tiny town of Cranborne which is just charming despite the continued drizzle threatening to dampen our spirits. Hoods up, boots on, we traipse past a field of friendly alpacas and go only as far as the nearby nursery, lovingly stocked with beautiful homeware (I deeply inhaled a candle fragrance described as ‘summer greenhouse’ in the manner of someone recently released from prison). Just meters from the hotel lies The Inn at Cranborne. A 16th century Inn and pub offering comforting meals and refreshments. We decide to have a simple dinner here on our first night. Huddled up close to the fire, we allow any weight of responsibility from ‘real life’ to ebb away and we decide to end the evening at the 10 Castle Street bar for a little digestif.
It’s Tuesday night and the hotel is tranquil. Joe is there to lovingly serve refreshments from the very well stocked bar. Apart from making a mean cocktail, Joe passionately tells us about the history of the hotel, showing us maps of the area, the best local countryside walks and the detailed plans for a spa and fitness area which are already in their second phase of development. The three of us spend the rest of our evening chatting like old friends and learning more about the Kasteel Collection membership which gives you access to all of the lovely facilities at preferential rates. The next morning after a glorious night of uninterrupted sleep and a lavish breakfast during which we are visited by an adorably snuffly and affable French bulldog belonging to a member, we set out into the countryside armed with a map and failproof directions provided by Joe the night before. We start out at the frightfully impressive Cranborne Manor – a Grade I listed country house, and we follow the walking map past Manor Farm, deftly crossing streams, ascending evergreen slopes past horses and sheep, faultlessly following the path past Cranborne Farm and up to Jack’s Hedge Corner (where we somehow take a wrong turn and end up exploring the reaches of a far less accommodating clay bridleway). We continue our walk for another 45 minutes, the rain caressing our faces, until we reach a charming little village…only to find that we’re magically back where we began! We make our way back to the welcoming arms of 10 Castle Street where hot water bottles and pots of tea are on hand. Our Junior Suite beckons us to listen to Radio 4 and have a long, hot soak in the bath before dinner, which we booked at the hotel restaurant.
As we happen to be visiting in a little period of calm before peak season, we are offered dinner in the supremely comfortable Drawing Room which we have all to ourselves. The table is set and the fireplace is lit for us as we enter, we fall in love with some lamps in the form of giraffes (which we learn are also available for purchase!) and the wallpaper featuring delicate tangles of vines gives us further food for thought on how we could improve our own home décor. The head chef Bill Keera has a reputation for creating delicious seasonal menus with an Asian-inspired background. Local ingredients feature throughout and (spoiler) each dish is plated beautifully and delivers on appearance as well as taste.
It’s only after we peel ourselves off the tastefully upholstered sofas at the very end of the evening that we realise we had been laughing and talking about a wide range of varied topics – none of which had to do with life admin. And maybe that is exactly what 10 Castle Street does to you. In just two days, it neatly launders and attractively folds all the important issues on your mind like Marie Kondo and reveals a variety of things which spark joy in your life. Like making silly top 10 lists of your favourite films, making friends with alpacas and French bulldogs, outdoor adventures and rejuvenating sleep all in utterly delicious surroundings. And while we have loved the sheer comfort and decadence that 10 Castle Street has offered us over the course of our two night stay in early, drizzly March, we also imagine a visit in summer to be an equally rewarding visit – filled with promise, bottles of rosé and ‘summer greenhouse’ scents in the charming outdoor Logier. Both sheltered from the elements but still open to the beautifully maintained grounds.
On our final morning, we hit breakfast like a pro. Yes to a delicately flaky, buttery croissant; yes to fresh fruit; yes to eggs royale; yes to a large pot of tea. We check out, bidding Joe farewell, so grateful for our faultless babymoon break, and we’re ready to get back on the road – driving back to all of our responsibilities but feeling far more centred than before. And while this experience has ticked the boxes for us, you can easily see how a hotel of this calibre would similarly tick the boxes for HNWIs, corporate functions, intimate get-togethers, young families and people just looking to get away from it all. A truly uplifting experience from beginning to end. Decadent but unpretentious – just what the midwife ordered… If you too would like to experience the joys of 10 Castle Street, for a weekend away, event or even a business trip, please get in touch with Anna at anna@thebbbook.com for special BBB rates and perks.
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Travel with us to the Cyclades Islands…

Summer holidays are upon us and some of the most popular (and most beautiful) destinations are amongst the many Greek islands. 

Warm weather, stunning coastlines, easy flights from most of Europe and not forgetting classic Greek hospitality, it’s no wonder so many find appeal in this part of the world.

BBB work with some true experts in their fields across Greece, so we have a wonderful book of contacts for hotels, villas, cultural experiences and much more. Today we’re focusing on the Cyclades islands; situated southeast of mainland Greece in the Aegean Sea, the Cyclades comprises around 220 islands, only 33 of which are inhabited. Naxos is the largest of the islands, but the most famous in the group are Santorini and Mykonos. Here are our tips of some of the coolest places to stay, things to do experiences to savour…
If you’re looking for a haven, look no further than Milos Cove, on Milos, an iconic 5* luxury resort with magnificent sea views, elegant simplicity and stylish design. Inspired by the island itself, the unique geology and the caves formed by the natural rocks, Milos Cove is a manmade version of a natural shelter – peace and restoration for the body and soul.
Architecturally structured in layers, to echo the multilayered nature of the soul, Milos Cove creates a parallel between soul and building, between a shelter and a psyche that needs to relax and rejuvenate itself. Overlooking the sunkissed beach of Agkali in a stunningly beautiful landscape near Pollonia, Minos Cove Inception Resort offers peace and tranquility but in close proximity to incredible beaches, just 15 minutes from the airport and 20 minutes from Adamas Harbour.
Featuring an amazing selection of luxury suites and villas, each with a private pool and breathtaking view of the Aegean, guests enjoy accommodation that is elegant, stylish and unpretentious. Designed to awaken the senses, the luxurious suites and villas boast minimal high-end design and a wide variety of upscale amenities.
The Pathos restaurant perches on the edge of a cliff, offering diners unparalleled views alongside modern Greek cuisine with an Italian twist. Fresh seafood is a speciality, naturally, and the Pathos bar, with its James Bond-like atmosphere, is a must for cocktails. The hotel also has 5 private dining balconies, where guests can dine by candlelight in the most intimate and romantic of settings, privately tucked away with stunning sea views and top class cuisine.
The Obsidian Spa combines modern treatments with ancient spa rituals in order to balance the body, mind and soul. Guests are welcome to invigorate their senses in crafted water tubs, work out their muscles at the modern fitness centre ore awaken their inner self with relaxation sessions in the indoor heated aqua baths. Those feeling more adventurous can take private island tours, luxury boat trips or a host of other experiences, all easily arranged to suit even the most demanding of traveller.
Built around a contemporary interpretation of the Ancient Greek Agora, Scorpios, on Mykonos, is a gathering place meant to galvanize the artistic, spiritual, and social life of its community. Ideas, healing practices, food, art and design lie at the core of the Scorpios experience.
Organic, local, gourmet, predominantly vegetarian, it’s also a lifestyle- the kind that resonates deeply with the notion of Scorpios as a communal domain. Furnished with large, communal tables, the beachfront open-air, open-plan restaurant is thoughtfully designed to accommodate and advocate Scorpios’s core philosophies.
At one of the very rare beach locations on Mykonos offering uninterrupted views across the open sea, horizons of blue mix with yellows, golds and pinks. Be it a chilled gathering of friends or a day of contemplative, creative solitude, the beach is a sublime retreat. A few dozen wooden cabanas and sunbeds, elegant in their simplicity, blend discreetly with their natural surroundings. Privacy reigns supreme until the Sunset Rituals begin around 18:30 each day, igniting the nocturnal energies of Scorpios Beach.
Those with sea legs should charter a yacht at Naxos. The beauty of a private luxury catamaran charter is that you choose your own destination (better still, more than one!) and you go at your own pace. Why not spend a day exploring a few of the local islands, visit the most beautiful, secluded beaches and coves and take a swim in the clear waters. Drop anchor and enjoy a traditional lunch prepared with local produce, accompanied by cold drinks, ouzo, raki and wine. The trips are completely tailor made to suit individual parties, we highly recommend this as a highlight of any holiday.
Villa Aurora at Tinos is a brand new villa, situated above the desirable Agios Petros Bay. The villa totally blends in with the surrounding Cycladic landscape and is a true haven. The traditional stone flair of the villa has been playfully blended with minimal accents, creating a comfortable yes sophisticated interior.
The villa sleeps 6 across 3 bedrooms, has a private pool, gardens, shaded outdoor dining area and a pathway down to the beach. Fully air-conditioned and with maid service twice a week, the villa is private yet easily accessible, just 3 minutes walk to the beach and 20 minutes in the car to the town and port.
Those interested in archaeology and historian culture will find plenty of interest at Delos, Mykonos. It’s hard not to feel awe-inspired when visiting this historic holy place. The House of the Naxians, the Temple of Artemis, the Pythion, the House of Dionysos and the ancient theatre, the homes of the Delians and the Temple of Isis are just some of the most famous sites. There’s also the Terrace of the Lions, with five of the marble lions that guarded the Sacred Palm that Leto, Apollo’s mother, held onto when she gave birth to the god of light.
The Archaeological Museum holds one of the world’s finest collections of ancient Greek sculpture. Since its inauguration in 1904, it has been among the most important collections in Greece. Nine rooms house sculptures, mosaics, pottery, inscriptions, jewellery, funerary statuary and grave stones. Look for the torso of the Archaic kouros from the Sanctuary of Apollo, the statues of Dioskourides and Cleopatra as well as Boreas abducting the nymph Oreithia…
Inside The Temple οf Isis you’ll find the statue of Isis herself, patron goddess of sailors, and one of the most significant attractions on the island. The site stands out among temples to other foreign gods and can be found in the foothills of Mt Kynthos. Originally made of wood, the ancient Theatre it was replaced by the stone structure seen today in the third century BC. It could hold 5,000 spectators in all and the entire area has archaeological remains, private dwellings from the time of Kleopatra and Dioscorides. There are plenty of guides and tours to do, both bookable in advance or arranged locally.
For a gem off the beaten track, head to Faneromeni Beach, Antiparos, located at the southernmost part of the island, a few kilometres south of Soros. You will find this small sandy beach under the church of Faneromeni at the end of a long rocky road where huge rocks have created a sheltered haven for tranquillity and incomparable dives. Faneromeni is not an organised beach, there are no sun beds, umbrellas or a beach bar, but the tranquillity and beauty of this place are second to none. For the more adventurous, we’d recommend packing up some essentials and making the effort – you won’t be disappointed.
Our hot tip for a restaurant with a view is the incredible Lycabettus Restaurant in Santorini. Literally perched right on the edge of a cliff, this is a restaurant unlike any other. Inimitable sea views and dining under the stars at night, Lycabettus perfectly blends grandeur with comfort, elegance with simplicity. Executive chef Pavlos Kiriakis has won the award for ‘High-End Gastronomy Overall Experience’ in FNL Best Restaurant Awards two years running and it’s easy to see why. First class service tops off the experience, guaranteeing diners an unforgettable experience.
Greek culture is heavily based around food, and it’s no surprise that each island has its own ingredients and twists on traditional recipes. One of the joys of travel is to experience local delicacies and new flavours with fresh ingredients. The Cyclades have their own dishes and perhaps one of the most famous (and popular) of these is Ntomatokeftedes, or tomato fritters in English. The recipe originates in Santorini, which is the home to a very specific top of tomatoes called Santorini tomatoes, which are about the size of cherries with a sweet taste and intense red colour. These little fried balls can be found everywhere and are totally delicious. Recipes vary, but here’s one for when kitchen inspiration hits… Why not make some this weekend, enjoy with a glass of wine and plan your next trip?!
For information on any of these places, to discuss flights or any other travel related enquiries, please contact Anna Hayward on anna@thebbbook.com.
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