Stella loves: The delicious Valrhona chocolate mousse with malt ice cream at Plate, the in-house restaurant.
Traveling: Bath really does have something for everyone. In the Holburne Museum, for example, which is a four-minute walk away, fans of high culture will admire the paintings and sculptures, but as it’s also Lady Danbury’s home in Bridgerton, it also has selfie appeal – and serves a mean cream tea. History buffs will love the city’s beautifully preserved architecture (visit No 1 Royal Crescent to see how people lived at the end of the 18th century) and the Roman baths, where video projections and actors bring it to life. Shoppers are in paradise too: head to the independent shops in the Bartlett Street Quarter and be sure to stop for a pastry and browse the cafe/home furnishings shop Berdoulat.
Book it: Rooms from £195 B&B, thebirdbath.co.uk. Read our expert review here.
Whatley Manor
cotswolds
Best for: Idyllic five-star luxury
When you arrive at this 18th-century mansion, you’ll feel more like a guest at a friend’s country estate than a hotel guest. That warmth extends to your four-legged friend too, thanks to pooch welcome packs and walking routes (Whatley is set in 12 acres of Cotswold countryside).
Sustainability is a top priority here – the hotel has been awarded a bronze EarthCheck award and a green Michelin star for sustainable gastronomy. The rooms are luxurious and comfortable, and the living room and terrace, connected to the bar, are the perfect place for an extended cocktail hour. Try Whatley Manor’s Citrus Drop, made from their own sustainable citrus vodka (a tree is planted for every bottle made and they use the kitchen’s leftover lemon and orange peel) and honey from their own bees.
The undeniable highlight, however, is the 10-course tasting menu for dinner, prepared by Niall Keating in his two-Michelin-starred dining room. This gastro odyssey begins with a trio of dishes served in the kitchen, where you can watch all the action and chat with the chef.
