A window to another world, waking up in a room with a view is one of the best simple pleasures about travelling. From sparkling sea views, to countryside vistas and dramatic mountainscapes, these boutique hotels are ten of our top picks for bringing the outside in…staying in bed has never looked so good.
Hôtel Crillon le Brave, Provence – France
The hilltop hamlet setting of Hôtel Crillon le Brave certainly helps when it comes to its mesmerising views of the surrounding hills. Settle into your Provençal-style suite housed within one of the nine wisteria-clad stone buildings, as the sun rises over the slopes of Mont Ventoux in the distance to the sound of cicadas singing and church bells ringing.
Forestis, Brixen – Italy
Cool, calm and connected to its stunning setting, Forestis is a summit-level sanctuary in a South Tyrolean mountainscape. Light streams in through the windows-for-walls, drawing the eye to the stunning views of snow-dusted peaks and illuminating the mellow, minimalist spaces. Sip Plose mountain spring water from the stone carafe in your bedroom, where you’ll have front-row seats to the sunset over the UNESCO Dolomites summit.
Koh Russey Villas & Resort, Bamboo Island – Cambodia
At Koh Russey Villas & Resort, the ocean is only ever a short walk away – after all, the island is little more than a mile wide – and nature is all around. And the hotel’s rooms, suites and villas – some with their own freshwater pools – bring the ocean that bit closer with their wraparound views. The private sandy beach feels within touching distance, as the bedroom blends with the backdrop of palm trees and bamboo groves, home to colourful local birds.
Sailrock Resort, Turks & Caicos Islands – Caribbean
The moment you touch down at Sailrock Resort in South Caicos, the vision of turquoise waters and white sand will be the first thing to take your breath away. Whether you stay in a Ridgetop Suite that is elevated above the shore, or a Beachfront Villa nestled among the trees and just a few sandy steps from the warm, shallow ocean, those impossibly blue Caribbean views are never out of sight.
Lazib Inn Resort & Spa, El Fayoum – Egypt
Crowning a green hillside overlooking Lake Qarun is the Fayoum-style Lazib Inn Resort & Spa. The pink clay exterior encases a series of bright, spacious luxury suites, with the incredible desert oasis as your backdrop. Take in the swaying palms and camel-dotted dunes from the comfort of your Egyptian Cotton sheets.
Canaves Oia Suites, Santorini – Greece
Picture pristine white suites set into the dark volcanic rocks, with glittering pools and individual terraces. Canaves Oia Suites boasts sweeping views of the Santorini Caldera, where whitewashed walls frame postcard-worthy scenery. Start the day in style with a champagne breakfast in bed – or dine on your terrace, gazing out across the Aegean Sea.
L’Escale Resort Marina & Spa, Mahé – Seychelles
Surrounded by rugged mountains, emerald forests, and multihued waters, L’Escale Resort Marina & Spa is a haven of natural beauty. From the Indian Ocean to Morne Seychellois (Seychelles’ highest peak), enjoy breath-taking views of the island from the comfort of your private terrace or balcony. Thanks to nautical design details nodding to the resort’s marina setting, you’ll feel as though you’re drifting aboard a superyacht.
Hotel Les Bords de Mer, Marseille – France
Fall in love with the sea all over again at Les Bords de Mer. The white walls and tall windows of this 1930s waterside villa conjure up its elegant art deco heritage. Even when you’re inside this luxury hotel, the Mediterranean is never far away. It glimmers outside the window of each room and suite, as pretty sailing boats bob beside the historic Vieux Port.
Heritage Le Telfair Golf & Wellness Resort, Bel Ombre – Mauritius
Set on the wild south coast of Mauritius in a protected nature reserve, Heritage le Telfair puts you in a world of your own. Beautifully renovated villas are scattered throughout tropical gardens, creating the feel of a private village. Look out over the Indian Ocean through palm-fringed windows, after a day spent in barefoot bliss.
Panoptis Escape, Mykonos – Greece
This extraordinary ensemble of boutique villas on the southern coast of Mykonos overlooks the Aegean Sea and tranquil expanse of Elia Beach below. Any one of the exclusive, hilltop villas at Panoptis Escape guarantees soothing sea breezes, soul-affirming views, and romantic sunsets from the comfort of minimalist interiors with hints of artisan craftsmanship.
Latest stories
A seaside staycation in Rye, East Sussex
The tide keeps changing on this medieval magnet, a pretty hilltop hub that’s been luring in East London creatives and interesting interior designers for years. And now, there’s a strong batch of smart spots to bed down, a cool natural wine vineyard just outside of town, and an endless supply
FORESTIS: the Dolomites’ ultimate ski-and-spa retreat
Discover snow and serenity at summit-level sanctuary FORESTIS. There, an enlightened ethos of sustainable, natural-world wellbeing finds a welcome home amongst the breathtaking peaks and pines of the Italian Dolomites. There’s always something magical about arriving at a hotel in the evening. My husband and I have just landed in
An insider’s guide to island hopping in the Seychelles
Nestled in the heart of the Indian Ocean, the Seychelles archipelago is a bucket-list destination known for pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters and palm trees that extend into the sky as if by magic. Though known for drawing honeymooners to its screensaver-worthy shores, the Seychelles is so much more than just
A ceramicist’s guide to Copenhagen
See the Danish capital through the eyes of local artist Malene Knudsen, as she takes us on a tour of her favourite studios, showrooms, and exhibition spaces in one of Scandinavia’s most fêted design destinations. Working out of her Copenhagen studio, Danish ceramicist Knudsen transforms raw stoneware clay and recycled
