In with the new: 9 boutique hotels to inspire your next holiday

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.

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.

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.

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