Most popular leisure reviews from the last 30 days
The Zetter Review
SmartPlanet judgement: Reduce your carbon miles and go for a green city break in your own city! That's what we did when we tried out the fabulous Zetter Hotel in London. Not only is it nearby (for us), but it's also leading the way in reducing its environmental impact, with not a single compromise on luxury. The perfect hotel? Well it might just be up there.
Bellinter House Review
SmartPlanet judgement: This is a fine example of contemporising a period house without compromising. It is a glamorous yet relaxed and open-to-everyone hotel. There were young families enjoying the games room, expectant mothers in the spa and grandparents reading newspapers by the open fires. A big nod to the owner for sourcing the restoration works locally, and for keeping that in practice for the food, too. The biggest sustainability plus, though, is that this old house has been dusted off and put to use again.
TYF Eco Hotel Review
SmartPlanet judgement: If you're looking to try out some outdoor coastal adventures, TYF Eco Hotel in St David's is an excellent place to start. The Pembrokeshire coast is just minutes away, and the people at TYF will show you the sights and put you through your paces in their offerings of outdoor fun. When you've had enough adventure, it's back to base, where there's plenty of organic fare on offer.
Tom's Place Review
SmartPlanet judgement: A fish and chip shop in a smart London 'hood, Tom's Place is slightly tongue-in-cheek, and for this to work the quality really has be spot on. It's not there yet, and some elements of the food require tweakage. What they have got right is the attitude to sourcing fish, basic greenie measures and service, which is low-key but unfailingly pleasant.
Southwaite Green Cottages Review
SmartPlanet judgement: The owner is clearly passionate about green living and we were impressed by the numerous eco-friendly gadgets and technologies she's incorporated into the design of the cottages in a way that didn't compromising on comfort. The rooms are somewhat bland -- a few touches of colour would add character -- but the farm is in a lovely remote position by the western fells and there are plenty of fabulous walks nearby.
Whitepod Review
SmartPlanet judgement: The space-age pods are even more surreal in reality than they look in photos, but we were fabulously pleased we put our curiosity to the test. The pods are surprisingly warm and comfortable, the food was great and we really enjoyed the proximity to the snow, especially the torch-lit snowshoeing over the mountain at night. The private piste has little to tempt experienced skiers looking to carve up the mountainside, but that's not the point of Whitepod -- come here to enjoy the mountains, the views and the fresh air, away from the crowds. It is a bit pricey, but as long as you don't expect all the pampered trappings of a chic ski lodge (there's no mini-bar or ensuite bathroom), it is worth every penny.
Milden Hall B&B Review
SmartPlanet judgement: It's great place for a short break in the country, and a 'learn about nature' holiday for the kids. We especially liked that despite the 16th century grandeur, Milden Hall didn't feel snobby. The homemade food and carbon-neutral stove added some eco points to the place, and activities on the surrounding estate kept us busy.
Bedruthan Steps Hotel Review
SmartPlanet judgement: The large building looks ugly from the outside; inside it's smart yet spacious and great for kids. There is a comprehensive environmental policy -- though we can't see how something this large can be truly green.
The Duke of Cambridge Organic Pub Review
SmartPlanet judgement: This is possibly the best pub in the world for a green fan. It serves up a fantastic variety of organic drinks, there's a green or ethical thought behind everything from making sure the candles are made from organic palm oil to having the space be on a green energy tariff. The food as pub grub would be really good too, but as restaurant food our starter and dessert didn't quite cut the mustard. We'll go back anytime, though.
