Lou Pinet – Saint-Tropez
A tantalising smell of freshly sliced truffles, lobster and pine trees wafts under the wooden pergola, and a glass of Hotel Lou Pinet’s ice-cold house rose signals the start of a holiday in Saint-Tropez. Bienvenue in the former fishing village in the south of France, where Jane Birkin and Serge Gainsbourg once frolicked. The vintage spirit of the 60s and 70s still seems close enough to touch at Hotel Lou Pinet. The eclectic design of the rooms and suites with their own gardens come courtesy of architect and interior designer Charles Zana. His ideas were inspired by artists such as Matisse, Calder and Picasso and they incorporate elements of the decorative art of Provence. Instead of a key card, guests here are given a golden key. This small detail is emblematic of the style of the hotel, which provides moments of authentic luxury rather than the Saint-Tropez party glitz and the booming bass from the town’s clubs. Instead, kick back and enjoy the soothing chirrups of the cicadas. Trés provençal!
Santa Clara 1728 – Lisbon
Tranquil natural shades, linen, wood and marble from Lisbon dominate in the magnificent 18th century building. The family-run hotel Santa Clara 1728 offers an incredibly soothing and inviting setting, with a secluded garden promising moments of relaxation despite the villa being situated in the lively Alfama quarter, where the legendary “Feira da Ladra” flea market takes place and Fado songs echo through the narrow lanes. The venerable house has six suites, some providing a breath-taking view of the River Tejo and the rooftops of the old city centre. Owners Joao and Andrea Rodrigues live with their family on the top floors, which instantly gives one the feeling of staying with friends. Architect Manuel Aires Mateus restored the building with great sensitivity for its history and has created an oasis of peace. Breakfast at Santa Clara is taken at a communal table, where you can enjoy freshy squeezed orange juice and home-made granola as you make your plans for the day. This hotel is the perfect place to experience Lisbon’s morbid beauty in a modern setting.
Finca Maris - Mallorca
Nestling between cacti, olive trees and citrus groves lies the charmingly modern Finca Maris, a hideaway in the southern part of the island which is as far as you can get from the tourist clichés. Everything about the finca is eco-conscious, and the reduction to the absolute essentials is reflected in the timeless design and the values of owners Maris and Patrick Schmidt-Dold, who are committed to a holistic approach and slow living. Book this minimalist villa near Ses Salines with friends or family and you can encounter Mallorca’s authentic side and feel like a local – albeit a fairly affluent local! The villa with its four bedrooms, pool and outdoor BBQ is furnished and equipped with great taste and incredible attention to detail. The floors are made of rugged stone, and you dine from pottery handmade by local artisans. The interior and outside flow into each other, with natural light and shade flooding through the large panorama windows. Throughout the renovation, the owners deliberately chose natural materials and sustainable sources. The water is drawn to a large extent from the finca’s own well and the aim is to leave the smallest possible ecological footprint. One of the island’s most beautiful natural beaches (Es Trenc) is close by. Home away from home, sustainable and very stylish!
Hotel Pellicano – Tuscany
What the Italians call sprezzatura refers to a stylish nonchalance that conceals the effort it takes to pull off. It’s an art that the staff at Hotel Pellicano have down to a T. The legendary hotel, situated between Rome and Pisa, spills down to an azure private bay with a stunning view of Monte Argentario, close to the yacht harbour of Porto Ercole. In the 1960, the cove with its dramatic cliffs became the romantic hideaway for an American socialite and a British aviator. The house attracted a glamourous, international set of guests who came to party in the moonlight. In 1979, Roberto Sciò bought the property, and his daughter Marie-Louise, the Creative Director, keeps the Pellicano style up to date with a combination of freewheeling spirit, tradition and discreet luxury. She also personally picks the entertainment programme, from music to excursions. For the in-house boutique, she curates special fashion pieces and develops brand cooperations, including with Birkenstock, to ensure that guests can take the unmistakable Pellicano style home with them. Anyone who has ever lounged on the yellow-and-white striped towels will want to return and experience la dolce vita at its best.
The Foundry Urban Luxury Suites – Athens
If you’re on the lookout for new perspectives, then we recommend you take yourself off to Athens, book a stay at The Foundry Urban Luxury Suites and head up to the lush, wild rooftop garden. From here, you have a fabulous view across the historic neighbourhood of Psris all the way to the Acropolis. Plan your day in Athens as you sip on a Verve Revive Green drink. The hotel offers plenty of space, not only in the picnic garden, but also in the suites. The building, dating back to 1930, is a former font foundry and in the past was used as a culture centre and theatre. These influences can be felt in the industrial design and style of the rooms. Rugged materials such as wood, concrete and steel contrast pleasingly with patterned wallpapers, terrazzo and vintage furniture picks. The owners love sharing insider tips. We can also warmly recommend afternoon drinks at Philos Athens.
ÖÖD Hotels – Estonia
An appetite for adventure is a must when you book into one of the mirrored ÖÖD Cabins, because these tiny-house hotels in the forests of Estonia are surrounded by untouched, pristine nature. The idea for the hotels came to brothers Andreas and Jaak Tiik when they went on a weekend hike but couldn’t find a small, but stylish place to stay. So they set out to develop their own concept, which they now market all around the world. In Estonia, you can rent an ÖÖD tiny house in 13 different locations – and the more beautiful the setting, the more stunning the cabin as every ÖÖD reflects its surroundings. We fell in love with the tiny house in Rooslepa, which is situated in a wonderful pine forest and is the perfect destination for nature-lovers and surfers. The 18-square-metre cabin contains everything you need; the interiors are modern but deliberately simple, because the real attraction is the wildlife outside. One of the country’s most famous surf areas is very close by: Roosta Beach. After surfing in the Baltic you can enjoy the tranquil forest panorama from the cabin’s sauna. Incidentally, the name “ööd” means nights – and they’re bound to be wild and romantic here!
Nobu Hotel – Warsaw
Ever considered a weekend trip to Warsaw? Oh, but you should, as Poland’s capital is packed with exciting contrasts and boasts a vibrant art, foodie and design scene. The sense of renaissance and modernity is palpable and sits comfortably alongside tradition and folklore. Socialist classicism, skyscrapers and a rebuilt old centre (UNESCO World Heritage) all in one bustling capital city. And if you haven’t had your fill of contrasts yet, then check in to the Nobu Hotel Warsaw. The design hotel opened in 2020 and marries an old Art-Déco building from the 1920s with a new, modern wing and crisp Japanese influences. From the high-ceilinged modern suites, you can gaze over Warsaw’s skyline. The look and feel is characterised by concrete walls, wooden elements and selected Polish artworks from the Jankilevitsch Collection. Art galleries like Raster Gallery are around the corner, and if you’re after modern Polish cuisine then book a table at the popular Opasly Tom restaurant. Soon you’ll also be able to enjoy a drink at the hotel’s brand-new Sake Bar by Nobu (the first in Poland!) as you unwind after a rewarding day and process all those contrasts.
Hotel Pacai – Vilnius
Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, feels ever so slightly like the Rome of the north: the city’s face is characterised by Baroque church spires, mysterious courtyards and medieval streets. The luxury hotel Pacai is located at the heart of the old centre. With incredible respect for the building’s history, an ambitious team of local architects headed by Saulius Mikštas transformed this magnificent mansion into a modern hotel. The classical façade was restored and historic elements such as frescoes and murals in the rooms were combined with modern design. The centrepiece and heart of the hotel is the open courtyard, where guests can dine until late into the night. Meals can also be taken in the hotel’s elegant restaurant, the Muros Restaurant and Bar, inspired by the world’s best steakhouses. In the spa, Lithuanian culture is celebrated with infusions made with local herbs. As you wander round the city, you’ll realise that transformation and preservation of historical heritage are reflected both in this stunning hotel and the fast-emerging Baltic capital.