Global botanical holiday ideas

Having green fingers doesn't have to limit horticultural enthusiasts to their own gardens; with a whole world of possibilities available.

From the botanical gardens of Portugal's luxury hotels, to the flower shows of Austria, gardeners have the perfect excuse to explore the whole world while indulging their passion.

Here travelbite.co.uk takes a look at some of the global gardening holiday options for 2009.

Botanical Hotel in Portugal

First up there is a chance to enjoy the undulating greens of the Azores from a guests' own doorstep, with a holiday to the Hotel Terra Nostra Garden.

Situated in the peaceful spa town of Furnas, and surrounded by a sweeping valley landscape, this classic hotel boasts its very own botanical garden. Opened in 1935, the 31-acre park is drenched in a variety of plant species and is interspersed with exotic lagoons and gently flowing streams.

For a peaceful park getaway the Terra Nostra is ideal, with free access for guests to roam in the botanical park or relax in its outdoor thermal pool, fed by natural springs.

A seven-night holiday starts from £411 per person, based on two sharing; including return flights to Ponta Delgada (Gatwick/Manchester at supplement), car hire and seven nights’ accommodation with breakfast. More details available from Sunvil.

Victoria Flow Show

For something a little further afield, visit Victoria and go gaga for greenery at the Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show (April 1st – 5th 2009).

This hotbed of horticulture, the biggest show of its kind in the southern hemisphere, features the best of antipodean floral and landscaping talent, hosted in the World Heritage listed Royal Exhibition Building and surrounding Carlton Gardens.

Plot a path Down Under for a blooming marvellous holiday to Melbourne and its outer edges, including the beautiful ocean bay and lush verdant gardens of the Mornington Peninsula and Yarra Valley’s vibrant vineyards.

Prices start at £2,054 per person, including return flights from Heathrow to Melbourne, 11 nights’ luxury accommodation with some meals and seven days’ car hire. The deal is valid from March 30th to April 15th 2009, with more information available from All-Ways.

Garden delights of Monaco

It is a little known fact that Monaco has the highest proportion of green spaces per resident of any country in Europe – an impressive one-fifth of the Principality is devoted to horticulture.

There are four particularly stunning landscaped gardens: the tranquil Princess Grace Rose Garden, Yasuo Beppu’s enchanting Japanese Garden, the Jardins Exotiques, boldly landscaped on rock-face overlooking the dazzling coast, and the pristine Casino Gardens in the heart of Monte-Carlo.

Furthermore, Monaco’s ideal position on the French Riviera makes it easy to reach many other great gardens in France and Italy on day-trips.

For a floral attack on all the senses try a Princess Grace cocktail at the Columbus Hotel - the delicate combination of candied rose petal jelly and Champagne is served in a unique frosted glass.

Two nights’ B&B at the Columbus Hotel costs from £185 per person, based on two sharing, while flights with British Airways cost from £120 per person including taxes.

More information at Visit Monaco.

Greenery of Gothenburg

A green and open city, Gothenburg is a gift to gardeners.

Home to some of Scandinavia’s most splendid parks, visitors can feast their eyes on Gothenburg Botanical Garden, Gunnebo House and Gardens, Liseberg Park and the Garden Society of Gothenburg for inspirational designs.

Gothenburg Botanical Garden boasts designer Ulf Nordfjell’s Chelsea Flower Show gold medal winning 'A Tribute to Linnaeus' garden, in homage to Swedish scientist Carl Linnaeus, while the Garden Society of Gothenburg features his new rose garden.

A two-night break at the centrally located five-star Elite Plaza Hotel departing July 3rd 2009, costs SEK1,630 (approx. £130) per person.

This price is based on two sharing and includes breakfast and Gothenburg Passes. For more information and to book visit Goteborg.

Great Gardens of Cornwall

Alternatively, for something a little closer to home there is a chance to enjoy Britain in bloom with a four-night 'Great Gardens of Cornwall' escorted rail tour showcasing England’s first and last county at its finest.

Revel in rail excursions along the Cornish Riviera and the Exe Estuary, followed by a classic coach journey to the romantic gardens of Trebah – a wild sub-tropical garden with exotic plants. Then, float away with flowers on your mind with a relaxing cruise along the River Fal.

The plethora of plants and gardens doesn’t end there either; visit the fabulous Eden Project, a huge interactive botanical garden housed in striking geodesic domes.

This four-night garden getaway starts from £609 pp (London – regional departures also available) including return rail transport, four nights’ accommodation with breakfast and dinner, and itinerary as described.

Departures are available from April to June 2009, with FestTravel.

Underwater Gardener

Not all horticulture is above water.

For sub-aqua gardeners, the unspoilt Red Sea resort of Nuweiba is worth forking out for.

Situated on a tranquil, palm-fringed oasis in the northern Sinai region, it’s surrounded by marine gardens. Turtle-infested reefs house vibrant corals, while 'The Devil's Head' – an incredible underwater area of snaking valleys, sea grass and a large lagoon – will take your breath away.

The luxurious Hilton Nuweiba has a dive centre plus comprehensive watersports and children's facilities.

A week in 2009 costs from £469 per person, including flights from Gatwick, transfers and seven nights' all inclusive. Check out RegalDive for more information.

Flower markets of Marrakech

Finally, hear the echo of the woodpecker as you lie amid the roses, under an ancient olive tree.

In a valley of orange, lime, lemon and grapefruit trees where Berbers are based lies La Roseraie - 50 acres of fragrant rose gardens, park and farmland, 40 cottage-style rooms and suites with four pools.

La Roseraie’s extraordinarily colourful rose gardens bloom from April to December. Just 90 minutes away is Marrakech, the hotel is also home to large perfumed parklands, palm trees and Yves Saint Laurent’s vivid, botanical Marjorelle garden.

A four-night stay in 2009 costs from £930 per person including flights (Gatwick), private transfers and half-board, with info available from Real Morocco.

Chris O'Toole