There have been moments this summer when "sunny spells" and "sunny intervals" have seemed two of the cruellest phrases in the English language, purposely employed by devious weather forecasters to torment and tantalise us. Yet even with the classic British (and Irish!) summer being predictable in its very unpredictability, a cool and damp day can be a delight when you are staying in a Best Loved hotel.

So curl up with a good book and a cup a tea, explore nearby stately homes and museums, savour a gourmet candle-lit dinner, take a dip in the indoor swimming pool, sip whisky or cocktails in front of the fire (many Best Loved log fires are burning overtime this season), or spend some quality relaxation time in a state-of-the-art spa. And who knows, you might even be lucky enough to catch one of those sunny spells!

Speaking of great spas, I'm pleased to welcome a hotel new to Best Loved, stunning Cowley Manor in Gloucestershire. Cowley Manor (pictured on the right) is a classic Cotswolds stately home with magnificent 55 acre gardens transformed into something extraordinary, with cutting-edge contemporary design, a superb spa with indoor and outdoor pools, delicious food, and an infectious sense of fun.

Jeffrey Epstein
Publisher