This month’s line-up is a celebration of contrast — where snow-dusted peaks meet sleek city hideaways and sunlit shores. From the Alps’ edge, where ski season is just stirring, to Berlin’s reimagined lofts steeped in history, and onward to coastal villas fringed by lagoons and sea cliffs, these boutique stays prove that great design knows no borders. Whether you’re after crisp mountain air, an urban recharge, or the rhythm of waves beyond your terrace, our latest collection of hotels offers inspiration for every kind of escape — from winter’s first chill to far-flung warmth.
1. Wilmina Hotel, Berlin
Once a place of confinement, Wilmina Hotel now celebrates the art of escape. Hidden behind high brick walls in Charlottenburg, this former women’s prison has been transformed into one of Berlin’s most quietly beautiful sanctuaries. Where barred cells once stood, you’ll now find light-filled rooms with soaring ceilings and COCO-MAT beds so soft you’ll gladly serve a life sentence.
The architects, Grüntuch Ernst, have kept traces of the building’s past — raw brickwork, iron staircases, and vaulted corridors — while opening the space to calm courtyards and leafy gardens that feel worlds away from the city’s buzz. Step through the old gates into freedom: mornings begin with the aroma of freshly baked bread from Wilmina Brot, afternoons unfold by the rooftop pool, and evenings linger over modern European dishes at Lovis, the restaurant nestled in the former courthouse.
2. Wilmina Apartments & Lofts, Berlin
Next door to the reformed walls of Wilmina Hotel, Wilmina Apartments & Lofts offer a different kind of freedom — spacious, light-filled living with all the ease of a boutique hotel stay. Once part of the same historic complex, these contemporary extensions swap the quiet introspection of their neighbour for open plan calm and architectural grace. Here, floor-to-ceiling windows flood the rooms with light, balconies open to the plant-framed courtyards below, and every detail — from COCO-MAT beds to fridges stocked with soft drinks and sparkling wine — invites you to linger.
Families and friends can spread out across sleek lounges or gather in the gardens, where Wilmina’s story of transformation continues in tranquil form. And when you crave connection, simply cross through the courtyard for coffee in the lounge, a cocktail in the summer garden, or dinner at Lovis, where the former courthouse now serves dishes worthy of a special occasion.
3. Dunluce Lodge, Northern Ireland
Overlooking the rugged coast of Portrush, Dunluce Lodge is a hole-in-one for golfers — but it’s far from just a fairway fantasy. Perched beside the legendary Royal Portrush Golf Club, this contemporary clifftop retreat blends glassy modern design with windswept Irish drama. When you’re not teeing off to Atlantic views, there’s plenty to keep you enchanted beyond the greens: horseback rides along the sand, fireside storytelling with a local seanchaí, or quiet moments tracing the coastline to the Giant’s Causeway.
Inside, suites are all about calm after the coastal wilds — light-soaked spaces that frame the sea or garden, with the kind of understated comfort that makes you linger long after the last putt. For special gatherings, The Stookan residence ups the ante with open fires, panoramic views, and room for a full house of family or friends. Whether you’re chasing birdies or sea breezes, Dunluce Lodge proves that Portrush’s magic extends well beyond the course.
4. Seaton House, Scotland
For golfers, Seaton House is the dream address — just a heartbeat from the first tee of St Andrews’ legendary Old Course — but even non-players will find plenty to fall for at this elegant seaside retreat. With the North Sea breeze drifting in and the town’s cobbled charm just beyond its doors, Seaton House blends old-school Scottish hospitality with contemporary luxury. Inside, rooms pair rich oak panelling and soft tartans with marble bathrooms and sweeping sea views.
After a day on (or off) the course, toast your return with a dram in the Bow Butts Bar, or settle in at Ondine Oyster & Grill for fresh Scottish shellfish and views over golf’s most hallowed ground. And while St Andrews is the sport’s spiritual home, the area offers much more than perfect swings — from coastal walks and wild swims to whisky blending sessions and castle tours.
5. VRetreats Cervino, Italy
As the ski season gathers pace, VRetreats Cervino is the kind of alpine escape that makes you want to fast-track to first snow. Set 2,050 metres high at the foot of the Matterhorn, this timber-and-glass hideaway feels sculpted from the mountains themselves — sleek yet soulful, where floor-to-ceiling views pull the peaks right into your room. Mornings begin with espresso and Alpine light streaming through the Panorama restaurant, fuelling a day of adventure on world-class slopes just beyond your doorstep. Whether you’re carving through fresh powder, testing your limits on cross-country trails, or heliskiing above the clouds, every run ends in the comforting embrace of the hotel’s warmth: a fireside Valdostan feast at Abrì Restaurant, a glass of Barolo at Zero Lounge, or a sauna session in your private spa suite.
6. Seal Cove Inn, California
Tucked among salt-sprayed cedars on the edge of Half Moon Bay, Seal Cove Inn captures the easy charm and windswept beauty of Northern California’s shoreline. This ivy-draped hideaway blends European manor elegance with laid-back West Coast warmth — all gabled windows, crackling fireplaces, and gardens that lead straight to the sea. Mornings begin with ocean air drifting through open terrace doors, while evenings are made for fireside relaxation and a glass from the inn’s well-curated wine list.
The rooms strike the right balance of comfort and character, with California King beds, soft robes, and handmade toiletries adding a thoughtful touch. Beyond your door, explore winding garden paths, watch seals bask on the rocks, or wander down to the sand just minutes away.
7. Boutique Hotel by BlackSeaRama, Bulgaria
Perched high above the Black Sea, Boutique Hotel by BlackSeaRama makes the most of Cape Kaliakra’s long, golden season — where the sun seems to linger just a little longer over the cliffs. At the heart of this world-class golf resort, the hotel pairs coastal panoramas with laid-back luxury. Mornings might start with coffee on your balcony as the fairways catch the light, followed by a round overlooking the waves or a swim in the infinity pool where the horizon stretches for miles. Interiors are crisp and contemporary, accented with bold graphic touches and plush, oversized beds that promise a restful end to sun-soaked days. Four restaurants scattered across the resort celebrate variety — from Mediterranean plates with sea views to easy-going bistro classics at the Clubhouse. And while golf is the star attraction, there’s plenty beyond the greens: stroll through Balchik’s botanical gardens, unwind in the spa, or take a coastal drive to Varna.
8. Bertam Wellness Spa & Villas, Malaysia
Cradled between still lagoons and tropical gardens, Bertam Wellness Spa & Villas is the kind of place that invites you to exhale, deeply. This serene Penang retreat blends Moroccan-inspired architecture with Malaysian warmth, creating a sanctuary that feels both exotic and deeply grounding. Days here are made for moving at your own rhythm: mornings might start with a dip in your private pool, afternoons spent drifting between the spa’s salt chamber and a sunken bar surrounded by calm water.
Each villa tells its own story — from opulent arches and soaking tubs that gaze onto courtyards, to lagoon-facing terraces perfect for a quiet float or a family swim. Wellness is woven into every detail, from nourishing, garden-fresh menus to Ayurvedic rituals, sound therapy, and even equine-assisted healing.
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