Make the most of your Bank Holidays

Springtime is great for lots of reasons, one of which is the abundance of Bank Holidays. Making the most of them, however, does take some planning – and the busier you are the easier it is to waste them.

To help you get yourself organised Red Carnation Hotels have come up with some great ideas for Bank Holiday breaks that will really help you enjoy your precious time-out to the full.

Guernsey is perfect for short breaks, because it’s conveniently close to home, yet delightfully different. What’s more, it’s not in the Euro zone, so your money goes much further. But best of all it’s an island, and there’s something uniquely romantic, exhilarating and refreshing about being surrounded by the sea, beaches and rocky headlands.

If that sounds like your kind of Bank Holiday break then The Old Government House Hotel and Spa is the perfect solution. The most historically famous hotel on the island, it offers gracious accommodation, luxurious facilities and superb personal service - all in equal measure. It also provides a choice of tempting value-added options, including:

• Gourmet Experience, with seven-course "Surprise" Menu Degustation et Vins for two.
• Romantic Experience, includes a candlelit three-course dinner for two in the French- themed Brasserie, and a Champagne breakfast.
• Discover Guernsey Experience, features a three-course dinner for two, a specially prepared picnic hamper on one day and two-day car hire including insurance.
• Spa Experience, includes one Elemis Facial treatment and one Elemis Aromatherapy or De-Stress Massage per person, plus a three-course dinner for two.

To simplify transportation, the hotel can also offer each of these experiences with return flights or ferry included, daily breakfasts, and all taxi transfers.

Rates for the Old Government House Hotel and Spa are from £299 per person, based on two people sharing a Classic Double room for two nights. Rates include flights from Gatwick, and must include a Saturday night. VAT is not applied in Guernsey.

Summer Lodge Country House Hotel, Restaurant and Spa, in the depths of delightful Dorset, is another Bank Holiday favourite. Hidden away in the heart of Hardy country, it is an oasis of luxury and indulgence that’s far from the madding crowd. Famed for its fabulous cuisine and luxurious accommodation this little gem of a hotel is offering a number of different packages that are perfect for Bank Holidays. These include:

• Spa Package, with a full Body Massage for 60 minutes, Elemis Tester Facial, two-course lunch at the spa and full English Breakfast daily.
• Three nights for the price of Two, with full English breakfast daily and complimentary use of the Health Club, heated indoor pool and sauna.
• Two-night Family Break, stay in one of the spacious Summer Lane Cottages with full English Breakfast daily; 25% off children’s meals; welcome pack including books, DVD's, comics, card games, board games and drawing packs; plus free tickets to various local leisure attractions.

Rates for the Summer Lodge Spa package are from £489 per room, inclusive of tax, per night, based on two people sharing a Superior Room

These packages are available until 31st of December 2009. For further details on any of these packages or to make a booking, visit theoghhotel.com or summerlodgehotel.co.uk.