Live out your rom-com dreams in this real-life replica of The Holiday cottage

This dreamy hideaway recreates the charm of The Holiday’s iconic cottage and proves rom-com magic isn’t just for Christmas.

If you’ve ever watched The Holiday and felt a pang of jealousy as Kate Winslet settled into her cosy English cottage, you’re not alone. For many of us, that snow-dusted stone hideaway became the blueprint for the perfect rom-com escape. Now, there’s a place in the mountains of north Georgia that brings that fantasy to life, and it’s so convincing you’ll swear you’ve stepped through the screen.

Welcome to The Holiday Cottage in Ellijay, a lovingly built replica of the film’s iconic home. Sitting on more than 2.5 hectares of peaceful farmland, it combines the charm of a Cotswolds cottage with the dramatic scenery of the Appalachian foothills.

The Holiday Cottage in Ellijay, Georgia bedroom — Sleep next to a crackling fire in winter. (Image: David Cannon Photography)

And although it’s fully booked for Christmas (no surprise), this is very much a year-round kind of getaway. Think crackling fires in winter, wildflower walks in spring, long golden evenings in summer and apple-picking weekends in autumn. The next available dates are currently a lone night in March and a handful in April, which says everything about how quickly this place fills up. There’s always next Christmas (or the year after!)

The Holiday Cottage in Ellijay, Georgia kitchen — The cottage sleeps six guests. (Image: David Cannon Photography)

The cottage sleeps six and has been designed with meticulous detail by award-winning studio State and Season Home Design and Supply. Inside, it channels that unmistakable rom-com warmth: timber beams, soft lighting, comfortable sofas you sink straight into and touches of lived-in character that make the whole space feel like a hug.

The Holiday Cottage in Ellijay, Georgia living room — The interior channels that unmistakable rom-com warmth. (Image: David Cannon Photography)

Two king bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms provide space to spread out, while thoughtful finishes add a gentle luxury without losing the charm. It’s the kind of place where you instantly imagine yourself journalling by the fire, cooking slow dinners with friends or simply curling up with tea as the world goes by outside.

The Holiday Cottage in Ellijay, Georgia outdoor area — Enjoy long golden evenings outside in summer. (Image: David Cannon Photography)

Step outdoors and you’re surrounded by more than 2.5 hectares of private land, including your own trails for quiet morning walks. Beyond the property, Gilmer County delivers classic mountain-town appeal with state parks, waterfalls, wineries, horseback riding and apple orchards. Whether you prefer hiking adventures or low-key afternoons tasting local reds, you’ll find it all within a short drive. Ellijay’s small-town friendliness only adds to the magic, turning even a quick coffee run into something memorable.

The Holiday Cottage in Ellijay, Georgia exterior — The Holiday Cottage is a lovingly built replica of the film’s iconic home. (Image: David Cannon Photography)

For moments of pure relaxation, the cottage has a spa, hot tub and plenty of outdoor nooks to enjoy a glass of wine. There’s also wi-fi, heating, air-conditioning and a barbecue, blending comfort with countryside immersion. And at US$649 ($A1000) per night for up to six people, the value is better than you’d expect for a stay that feels plucked straight from a rom-com set. The only thing missing is Jude Law knocking on the door.

So, while you won’t snag a Christmas booking anytime soon, the real beauty of The Holiday Cottage is that it shines in every season. If you’ve been waiting for a sign to book the rom-com getaway of your life, this is it. Just don’t wait too long. Those dates won’t stay free for long.

Wellbeing means different things to different travellers. Here’s how to pick a hotel that gets it right for you.

The best wellness holidays aren’t necessarily spent wrapped in a spa robe. Sometimes they’re found around a dinner table in Cambodia, on a hiking trail in New Zealand or after finally beating jet lag on the other side of the world. The hotel you choose is what makes them happen.

1. Easy access to good food

meals from Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20 — Taste delicious meals at Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20.

One of the quickest ways to derail healthy habits on holiday is to spend half of it working out where to eat instead of digging into the culture around you. Thankfully, Novotel has done much of the hard work already, with chefs building menus that lean into the flavours, ingredients and traditions of each destination.

In Sihanoukville, Cambodia, Korkor soup – often dubbed ‘Cambodian ratatouille’ – sits alongside raw blue crab dressed with lime and chilli, best enjoyed with views across the Gulf of Thailand.

In the lovingly chaotic city of Bangkok, the presence of food cranks up the sociability. At Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20, you can settle in with mango sticky rice and stranger-turned-friends beside the pool at Sky on 20 rooftop bar, or bring them along to tackle river prawns and stir-fried crab with holy basil at the buzzing Crab Paradise Dinner Buffet.

Then Novotel Dubai Al Barsha welcomes you with a laidback twist on the level of indulgence the Middle Eastern city is best known for up on Deck Se7en. Looking towards Burj Al Arab, the rooftop lounge has everything from Mediterranean-style dishes like seabass ceviche to Italian prosecco sundowners.

At the other end of the scale, in the hills that surround the Novotel Bali Ubud Resort, calm comes from nature. At Siralada restaurant, Balinese traditions shape the menu while thunder rumbles over the surrounding jungle – proving the setting is as nourishing as the food itself.

While at Novotel Nha Trang, chef Kieu Thi My Hanh and her team showcase Vietnam’s knack for balancing freshness, texture and fragrant herbs. Pho remains a favourite, while seafood salad with pomelo and mango brings those flavours together in one bright dish.

It’s all an approach backed by partnerships with expert food creators such as Alfie Steiner, whose plant-forward recipes prove healthy food should never taste plain.

2. Better sleep options

Novotel Bali Ubud Resort room — Sleep deeply with Novotel.

There are few travel experiences more disappointing than arriving in a new country, determined to seize the day, only to fall asleep fully clothed by 3pm.

For Australian travellers, jet lag is often an unavoidable part of the journey. That’s one reason Novotel runs sleep-focused initiatives that help guests adjust quickly without compromising on health. We’re talking partnerships with Sydney-based sleep specialist Olivia Arezzolo, known for her advice on everything from better sleep habits to beating jet lag, alongside features like pillow menus, in-room yoga content and tailored sleep guidance.

The sooner you’re operating on local time, the sooner you can get back to more pressing matters – like deciding which spa treatment to book.

3. More ways to move

woman hiking around queenstown new zealand — Stay at Novotel Queenstown Lakeside and explore local hiking trails. (Credit: GettyI mages/ naruedom)

Every place in the world has its own way of getting you moving: whether that’s hiking up ice-bitten mountains before a sauna or gentle stretching by the pool before a facial. From fitness centres to spas, Novotel recognises that wellbeing rarely looks the same.

At Novotel Queenstown Lakeside, activity is inescapable. Here, hiking trails, ski fields, bungee jumps, and white-water rafting have made the region famous. The hotel’s location on the shores of Lake Wakatipu means less time spent organising yourself and more time out there experiencing them. To top it all off, you can book a private hot tub for the evening before heading back into the wilderness tomorrow.

Bali, of course, takes a softer approach. At Novotel Bali Ubud Resort or Novotel Bali Nusa Dua, movement is less about conquering a mountain and more about a dance class between the tropical gardens and lagoon pools. Afterwards, the spa takes over, with traditional treatments like a Lulur body scrub: a combination of rice, turmeric, sandalwood, ginger and jasmine that’ll soothe muscles already relaxed by the Balinese heat.

4. Better connections

Kids will love a stay at Novotel Sharm El Sheikh.

One of the best things about travel is that it gives your family stories you’ll be telling for years. Novotel helps create them with activities that bring everyone together, whether that’s trying something new, learning a local skill, or simply spending more time together.

Go for a distinctly Thai twist at Novotel Phuket Vintage Park, where many of the family activities draw on local culture. Kids can try everything from beginner Thai boxing and language lessons to umbrella painting and – a pastime beloved by children the world over – pool foam parties. Everyone is welcome to join in, whether that’s getting splashed, covered in paint, or simply watching their children discover a new side of Thailand during the dedicated Family & Kids Day.

A different adventure awaits at Novotel Sharm El Sheikh. Kids could be perfectly content with discos, drawing classes and new holiday friends, but the Red Sea has other ideas. Sitting on the edge of Naama Bay, days here might involve snorkelling colourful reefs, taking a boat trip to Ras Mohammed National Park or heading into the desert by quad bike or camel for a Bedouin-style dinner beneath the stars.

5. Location is everything

Surin Beach, Choeng Thale, Thalang District, Phuket, Thaiföld — Explore Phuket’s gorgeous beaches. (Credit: Bence Biczo)

Everyone’s idea of wellness looks a little different. With more than 600 hotels across 65 countries, Novotel gives guests the freedom to choose the destination that suits them best. Whether that’s a beachside escape in Phuket, an alpine expedition in Queenstown or a city break in Bangkok, there’s a good chance a Novotel isn’t far away.

All that’s left? Choosing your version of wellbeing.

Discover stays to inspire your everyday at novotel.accor.com.

Live out your rom-com dreams in this real-life replica of The Holiday cottage

This dreamy hideaway recreates the charm of The Holiday’s iconic cottage and proves rom-com magic isn’t just for Christmas.

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