Holiday planning just got a whole lot more adventurous with our latest arrivals, which promise off-beat experiences in the majestic hinterlands of Transylvania, above the rainforest canopy of Costa Rica, and Chile’s snow-capped Andean mountains. And if you’ve ever wanted to sleep in a shell-shaped villa, our new Tanzania resort has curves in all the right places.
1. I Borghi dell’Eremo, Italy
An organic estate set amidst Umbria’s rolling hills and cypress trees, I Borghi dell’Eremo takes a regenerative approach to its farmland and countryside. As a member of SLH’s Considerate Collection, the family-run estate protects the surrounding woodland with high-tech fire control and anti-poaching systems, produces homegrown ingredients like golden honey and olive oil to drizzle over farm-to-table dishes, and is criss-crossed with orchards, groves, and geo-mapped trails to explore on foot or e-bicycle. Inside, Etruscan terracotta and Apuan onyx complement exposed stone walls and contemporary furniture, and there are whirlpools, a steam room, ice waterfall and sauna to unwind in.
2. Bethlen Estates Transylvania, Romania
Cradled by the Carpathian Mountains in the remote village of Cris, Bethlen Estates Transylvania is where the untamed wilderness can still be explored, and the quiet life reigns. Owners Nikolaus and Theodora Bethlen are keeping age-old traditions alive and well at this Considerate Collection hotel, painstakingly transforming historic buildings around the village — including Saxon cottages and the castle’s former caretaker’s house — into luxurious guesthouses with a team of local artisans. Retreat to a snug sofa and open fire in Depner House after an afternoon hike, relax around the heated pool at Caretaker’s House (which also comes with a private sauna), and wine and dine on locally sourced produce in the Kitchen Barn.
3. Namia River Retreat, Vietnam
Ranging along the banks of the Thu Bon River, spend your days at Namia River Retreat exploring on bamboo bicycles, visiting Hoi An, or joining wildlife conservation tours to spot protected yellow-haired monkeys. Each villa has sunken bathtubs for the ultimate soak, lofty ceilings for a cool night’s sleep, and neutral, cocooning interiors. Spacious inside and out, your terrace leads to a private pool and dining area, with river-fronting views to admire and a wishing tree in the ground for whispering your hopes for the day to. In nearby Hoi An, explore the waterways where French colonial houses rub shoulders with Chinese tea houses and Vietnamese temples.
4. Xanadu Luxury Villas & Retreat, Tanzania
Just steps from the Indian Ocean, Xanadu Luxury Villas & Retreat is designed with pure escapism in mind, with a personal butler, revitalising spa, and on-demand gourmet dining. Taking inspiration from the Spice Isle’s shoreline, each villa is a gently curved oasis dressed in shell-white, with private pools sheltered by orchid-petal walls. Lush vegetation provides shade and birdsong, and the light, bright interiors continue the natural feel. With an ‘anywhere, anytime’ approach to dining, you’re welcome to choose your own picturesque spot to indulge. Sea-life spotting can be done right off the beach, either swimming, surfing, snorkelling, or paddle boarding.
5. Laguna Coast Resort, Greece
Step into slow lagoon living with the lightest of footprints at Laguna Coast Resort, created by the largest regeneration project in the Cyclades. This Considerate Collection resort sits on Naxos’ coastline, surrounded by 480 acres of pristine wetlands, wild mountains, and cedar forests. The serene suites, with private pools and jacuzzis, are scattered around a sparkling lake, many with sweeping, terracotta-hued terraces from which to take in views of ancient stone hills or the endless blue Aegean. Settle in for authentic Greek dishes at Collatio Beach Bistro, take a picnic to the tiny island of Mando to watch the sunset beside Chora, or join a cooking class. In the ancient harbour, guests can snorkel and scuba-dive to discover underwater ruins and natural treasures.
6. Debaines Hotel Santiago, Chile
Next door to the iconic Opera House in Chile’s cosmopolitan capital, Debaines Hotel Santiago is the perfect base from which to explore the city’s famous sights. The hotel’s design complements the famous Teatro Municipal, while its contemporary interiors showcase the work of Chilean artisans, featuring sleek oak floors and soaring windows. Some have balconies or terraces looking out over the landmarks, while the Penthouse Suite takes over the entire top floor. Up on the rooftop, tuck into para picar (Chilean small plates) with a side of snow-capped mountain views.
7. Senda Monteverde Hotel, Costa Rica
At Senda Monteverde, flora and fauna are your neighbours, and bird song your wake-up call. Cosy mountain bungalows sit back amongst the trees, winding pathways lead to a central lodge, and nature-framing windows look out across the canopy. This Considerate Collection hotel lies on the edge of the Aguti Wildlife Reserve and covers guest entrance fees to its neighbouring biodiverse park, contributing towards the conservation of this rare cloud forest through ongoing reforestation schemes. Back at base, gather round a glowing firepit with a glass of South American wine to plan tomorrow’s adventures.
8. Vakko Hotel and Residence Sumahan Bosphorus, Turkey
Wake to the sunrise glittering across the sea strait at Vakko Hotel & Residence Sumahan Bosphorus, a centuries-old Ottoman distillery turned coastal retreat. Away from Istanbul’s bustle, and against a backdrop of fortresses and palaces, you can indulge in Italian flavours, Parisian pastries (think macaroon towers and pastry pyramids), and the art of caviar across each chic dining space. Just like the hotel’s private hammam, the bedrooms are made for rest and relaxation, with creature comforts like marble-clad bathrooms, fireplaces, rainfall showers and elegant archways.
9. Dylan Hotel Dublin, Ireland
Tucked away down a leafy residential road, the Dylan Hotel Dublin is just close enough to the city centre without all the hustle and bustle. Behind the grand Victorian exterior lie contemporary rooms and spacious suites kitted out with quirkily cool details — bringing a sense of vibrancy to the heritage features. Irish produce plays a starring role in the Dylan’s fine dining restaurant, The Eddison, while the south-facing Nurserie Terrace is a lively spot for sun-drenched drinks and light lunches in the summer. Come nightfall, retreat to the velvet embrace of the Ruby Room to sip Emerald Isle cocktails.
Share this article
Latest stories
Caribbean island-hopping in the Lesser Antilles: Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda
There’s no rule that says your Caribbean escape has to be a one-island affair. Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda are close enough to link in a single trip — and different enough to keep every day feeling new. This Lesser Antilles itinerary links three Leeward Islands; Anguilla’s laid-back, barefoot glamour with
Susafa: the eco-friendly farmhouse to book in rural Sicily
Trade the crowds of Palermo for something quieter, slower, and more soulful in Sicily’s rugged interior. Susafa, a centuries-old farm turned sustainable hotel, offers a different kind of Sicilian escape. This isn’t the place you come to check off sights. Instead, your days unfold gently, lingering by the pool, strolling
The ultimate Madrid city guide
Sometimes overlooked by other European capitals, Spain’s biggest city has so much to offer from world-class museums and galleries to talking-point architecture and a lively music scene. Madrileños also take food (and drink) very seriously, and whether you want to prop at the bar for the tastiest tortilla or your
Sicily on a plate: a foodie guide to the Italian island
There’s something about Sicily that sticks with you. On your skin, in your camera roll, in how quickly you develop opinions about brioche. The island is full of contrasts: volcanic cliffs and citrus groves, peeling paint and polished marble, sea urchins eaten on plastic plates next to grand old cafés
