After all the exploring and plant hunting it’s vital to find a good place to rest your head and recover. These are our favourite places, but we are always hunting for more. 

They all share the same spark which tends to be a combination of great service and interesting interiors – it also helps if there are excellent places to explore for plants and non plant related stuff nearby. 

A particular favourite of ours is Rye. My love of gardening and outdoor water sports started there as my parents have a cottage in the middle of Rye Harbour nature reserve – a tough place to garden, very exposed.  

I hope you enjoy this blog and find it to be an encapsulation of our travels and adventures—a guide for fellow explorers to use and inspire their own journeys. After all the exploring and plant hunting, it’s essential to find a place where you can rest, recharge, and reflect. These are some of our favourite spots, but the hunt is never over.

Guy

45 miles North-East of Architectural Plants, 1 hour and 20 minutes drive  

In all honesty, my main reason for adding this to the blog is because of the rooftop pool. I love the view and the experience of being in this part of London at this height. Grab a drink on the rooftop, relax and then take a walk around the newly developed Battersea Powerstation. No complaints about the rooms or the rest of the hotel but equally nothing major to shout about. 

70 miles to Architectural Plants, 2 hour drive

Directly on the high street within the Rye Citadel, recently refurbished after a fire. The décor is opulent but in keeping with the period of the property. Plants supplied by Architectural Plants. Kate and the team will ensure you have a restful stay – it is always fun trying a different room as they all have their own charm. Currently serving Hoegaarden on tap among lots of local brews and a very good selection of English sparkling wines (not Rathfinny unfortunately). Many things to do in Rye, highlights in the explore section.

48 miles East of Architectural Plants, 1 hour and 5 minute drive  

Both Helen and Vicky are fantastic hosts. The Ood house is in a special place, beautifully reflecting the surroundings with the mirrored exterior. The accommodation is very private, set by their lake which you can swim in and the decking area has a BBQ and wood fired hot tub. Amazing light as you wake up in the glass box. If it’s open grab some fish and chips from the local. 

The Ood house is set within the grounds of the Lime Cross nursery. It was previously a family run conifer specialist nursery, they have a fantastic garden celebrating all of their favourite trees, showing the heritage of the site. You can buy plants and their own wine ‘The Secret Vineyard’ from their website or book a wellbeing, yoga or wild swimming experience. 

110 mile to the North of Architectural Plants, 2 hours and 5 minute drive

Accommodation & Pool 

Parking was simple and it was a pleasant walk in to the city centre along the river. The room was very acceptable, kitchen facilities and large bathroom great for a longer stay. Each room had a few cookery books in, we purchased ‘One Pot, One Planet’ as a result. I always look out for accommodation that has a pool – this one was perfect, very restful place to swim and sit. Good for Amex card holders too. 

Hotel, Pool and Rum bar (mentioned in our Thirst and Hunger blog)

Great area which feels quiet and local. Really excellent food markets, cafes and bars nearby.

If staying here I definitely recommend a visit to Café Lea for a loud and bustling lunch and the local specialist wine merchant, Cave Barberon – an eccentric French man with a great cellar. Tasteful, characterful rooms. Make sure you book in the pool area and sauna during your stay – a great way to relax after a long day touring.

350 miles drive, boat, plane or helicopter South West from Architectural Plants 

A perfect, quieter island North East of Tresco. This charming hotel sits on the West side of the island with a fast channel of water directly in front. You can walk the island in about 1-2 hours, honesty shops are open with payment terminals and there is an observatory too. 

I went snorkelling with seals, a very special trip with three other people, they really care about the way the island and the tourists sit within the environment. A good pub down the road too. 

We loved our room and the staff were very kind and welcoming – the Karma group seem to be very good employers and hoteliers. Simple but very well done. 

Take a book, hire a kayak but don’t expect anything other than peace and quiet from the island – it’s tranquil and restorative. Book in advance, travelling here is difficult and the weather is all over the place (four seasons in one day). We kayak’d to Tresco which I would definitely recommend. 

Our last night in California was spent here, a grand hotel – incredible architecture and history. Excellent use of chandeliers in the main lounge. I was not a fan of the city, it felt beaten up and broken so the hotel was a welcome sanctuary. Big fan of the swimming pool too, fantastic light and you could hear the bustle of the city outside. Not too far from the Trans American pyramid, iconic in shape and a technical masterpiece having foundations that are said to be earthquake-resistant. We should have eaten here as the dinner out was average and the walk home to the room uncomfortable. Another Amex friendly hotel, ask for upgrade.