Torfhús Retreat, South Iceland
Iceland’s turf houses have long shaped the country’s architectural identity, and Torfhús Retreat reinterprets that tradition with sensitivity and finesse. Timber cabins topped with grass roofs sit within a landscape of lava fields, mountains and geothermal springs, their handcrafted interiors furnished with Icelandic wool, stone and reclaimed wood. Private basalt hot pools encourage lingering outdoors regardless of the season, while the kitchen looks to local rivers, farms and the North Atlantic for its menu. Positioned within easy reach of the Golden Circle yet feeling distinctly removed from its busiest routes, making it ideal for explore Iceland’s greatest natural wonders.
Munduk Cabins by Desa Hay, Bali, Indonesia
Far from Bali’s busy southern coastline, Munduk Cabins by Desa Hay offers a different perspective on the island, where mist drifts through the highlands and clove trees line the hillsides. The architect-designed cabins combine warm timber interiors with floor-to-ceiling windows that frame uninterrupted views of the surrounding landscape, creating a strong connection with the outdoors. Waterfall trails, coffee plantations and local villages are all within easy reach, while evenings are best spent enjoying the cool mountain air and Balinese-inspired cuisine.
Sina Villa Matilde, Romano Canavese, Italy
Originally commissioned as a private residence in the eighteenth century, Sina Villa Matilde retains the elegance of Piedmont’s aristocratic villas. Frescoed ceilings, antique furnishings and landscaped gardens speak to its heritage, while contemporary comforts are introduced with restraint. Located in Romano Canavese between Turin and the Aosta Valley, the hotel provides a chic base for discovering vineyards, castles and Alpine scenery. The restaurant champions Piedmontese cuisine and regional wines, while the peaceful gardens and swimming pool are perfect for relaxing after days spent exploring northern Italy’s lesser-known corners.
Lchang Nang Retreat, Ladakh, India
Among the orchards and sand dunes of Nubra Valley, Lchang Nang Retreat offers a thoughtful introduction to Ladakh beyond its dramatic mountain passes. Built using traditional rammed-earth techniques and local materials, the retreat draws on vernacular architecture while remaining comfortably contemporary. Days might begin with a walk through nearby villages, a visit to centuries-old monasteries or the sight of Bactrian camels grazing where the Silk Road once passed. Back at the retreat, Ladakhi recipes take centre stage, alongside experiences that connect guests with the region’s Buddhist heritage, night skies and high-altitude landscapes.
Historia Boutique Hotel Nile Cruise, Egypt
Historia Boutique Hotel Nile Cruise revives the tradition of travelling the Nile in a more intimate style, echoing the golden age when Egypt’s great archaeological discoveries drew explorers and artists to the river. Sailing between Luxor and Aswan, the boutique vessel offers access to some of the country’s most significant ancient sites, from the temples of Karnak and Luxor to the Valley of the Kings and Philae Temple. Interiors combine contemporary comfort with subtle references to Egyptian craftsmanship, while days unfold between guided excursions, leisurely meals and uninterrupted views of villages, palms and desert landscapes passing along the riverbanks. With a limited number of cabins, Historia offers a more personal way to experience Egypt’s timeless waterway.
Casana Hotel, Ceará, Brazil
On Brazil’s northeastern coast, where the dunes and lagoons of Jericoacoara draw a global kitesurfing community, Casana Hotel offers a quiet refuge on the doorstep to the region’s natural beauty. Located on the sands of Preá, a fishing village known for its steady Atlantic winds, the seven-bungalow retreat combines thatched roofs, timber interiors and generous outdoor spaces with a refined simplicity. Days revolve around the landscape, whether exploring the nearby dunes, taking to the water or watching the trade winds shape the coastline – there’s even a dedicated kite lounge. The restaurant looks to Ceará’s coastal traditions, bringing together local seafood, coconut, cassava and ingredients grown in the surrounding region.
The Grace, Westport, Ireland
Part of the ambitious transformation of Westport Estate, The Grace offers a fresh take on one of Ireland’s best-known historic properties. Just a short walk from the 300-year-old Westport House, the 129-room hotel takes its name from two women closely associated with County Mayo: the formidable sixteenth-century pirate queen Grace O’Malley and Grace Kelly, whose family roots trace back to the region. Contemporary Irish design draws on the surrounding woodlands, mountains and coastline, while guests have the estate’s walking trails, gardens and heritage experiences on their doorstep, with Clew Bay and Croagh Patrick within easy reach.
Zabola Estate, Zabala, Romania
Spread across forests, lakes and meadows in Romania’s Transylvania region, Zabola Estate occupies the grounds of the Mikes family, whose connection to the estate stretches back centuries. Historic buildings, including carefully restored guesthouses and a former machine house, have been adapted with restrained interiors that preserve architectural character. The surrounding landscape is ideal for scenic hikes or to explore by horseback or carriage, while wildlife, birdlife and ancient woodland remain integral to daily life here. Meals celebrate regional ingredients and Hungarian traditions, reinforcing a sense of place rooted as much in local history as the estate itself.
Le N°3 by Champagne Thiénot, Reims, France
In the historic centre of Reims, Le N°3 by Champagne Thiénot brings the maison’s understated approach to hospitality into an elegant townhouse setting. Interiors favour clean lines, tactile materials and carefully chosen artworks, allowing the building’s original proportions to remain the focus. Naturally, champagne is woven into the experience, from guided tastings to access to the family’s renowned cellars, but never overwhelms. The hotel also offers an appealing base for exploring Reims’ Art Deco streets, Gothic cathedral and the wider vineyards of Champagne.
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