Welcome to the next in our ‘HY-Five’ blog series… where we share our “top five” around different themes to inspire and help you with your event planning.
Times have most certainly changed in the early part of 2020. And as we start to slowly return to a small sense of normality in certain areas, others will take a lot longer to resume “normal” service and some will be changed for ever. What’s certain is that it’s time to rethink how we have always done things, and to be creative and resourceful to adapt and find alternative solutions.
Here at Hyphen our key goal is ‘connecting brands, people and a moment in time’ and one area that we do this is through incentive programmes and corporate meetings.
And whilst we all dream of travelling to far flung places again with work and with our friends and families, perhaps this is time to consider different options, and to think about what amazing destinations we have right here on our doorstep?
So, when you come to plan your next company meeting or event IRL (in real life), Sinead MacMahon, account manager, has compiled 5 Hyphen-favourite UK destinations to help inspire you to stay local.
Whether you’re in need of a crowd-free break in a charming countryside retreat or seeking a vibrant city break, Hyphen has got you covered for your next incentive meeting or event in Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
At a glance:
- Cow Hollow, Manchester
- Artist Residence, Oxfordshire
- Retreat East, Suffolk
- Nobu, Portman Square, London
- The Fitzwilliam Hotel, Belfast
Take your time:
So, here’s the lowdown on these 5 destinations…
Cow Hollow, Manchester
Manchester is one of the most dynamic and cosmopolitan cities in the UK, with a unique character all of its own, making it an exciting and easily accessible incentive destination.
Cow Hollow is truly boutique. With only 16 bedrooms, if you were hosting a small incentive, this would be a great chance to have exclusive use of this property. This marvellous hotel is situated in the heart of Manchester’s famed Northern Quarter.
The Northern Quarter is a trendy neighbourhood, with vibrant street art, bohemian bars and independent record shops. It’s home to buzzy restaurants and some of the city’s liveliest music venues.
Artist Residence, Oxfordshire (pictured)
This home from home is a stylish boutique hotel in the Cotswolds – an idyllic retreat in the heart of the English countryside.
This 16th-century inn has five luxurious bedrooms nestled under its cosy thatch and three suites in the farm outbuildings, plus it has a quirky converted Shepherd’s Hut. Each offers a calming combination of luxurious linens, bohemian styling and antique furnishings.
Get out and explore the idyllic countryside. Go walking, climbing, cycle, take a cookery class, go shopping or take a photography class to capture the charming Cotswold villages.
Retreat East, Suffolk
Looking for a stunning setting in the Suffolk Countryside to host your event? Then look no further than the magnificent Retreat East.
The beauty of Retreat East is that it allows you to do as much or as little as you want. Suffolk is full of natural beauty and places to explore either directly from the doorstep of your luxury private barn, or a short car journey away.
This could range from equestrian pursuits to yoga. Or perhaps clay pigeon shooting is more your bag? Alternatively head down to the beach or experience one of the most modern breweries in the world. The possibilities here are endless.
Nobu, Portman Square, London
Nobu promises to bring its flair for refinement to London with one of the most hotly anticipated new hotel openings in London for 2020 (autumn).
Located in the heart of central London’s vibrant Marylebone area, this hotel takes its conceptual cues from the traditional English garden within the adjacent Portman Square, drawing on the natural materials, textures and tranquillity of this urban oasis.
Nobu Hotels are rooted in creating memories around the enjoyment of exceptional food but that doesn’t stop you from stepping out and exploring the restaurants and cafes in the chic Marylebone village and exploring everything this sensational capital city has to offer.
The Fitzwilliam Hotel, Belfast
You’re never short of things to do in Northern Ireland. Beyond vibrant cities packed with lively bars lies an emerald landscape of rolling hills, craggy mountains and some of the UK’s best beaches.
And nestled in the middle of thrilling Belfast is the stunning boutique Fitzwilliam Hotel. It is a super elegant masterpiece with fabulous guest rooms, incredible food and an excellent central location right next to the Grand Opera House on Great Victoria Street. That makes this the perfect base from which you can explore the city – everywhere is a gentle stroll or a short cab ride.
This city offers an exciting blend of history, culture, and of course the famous Irish hospitality.
So why book in the UK?
Simple. Great Britain is full to the brim with ancient towns, stunning beaches and vibrant cities, and some of the most exciting hotel openings in 2020.
As well as a never-ending list of sensational activities, it doesn’t hurt that the travel time is short and low cost.
And isn’t this a great way to put some money back into the British economy?
When you come to plan your next incentive or company meeting, think Britain, think Hyphen.
