I have an ever-growing list of hotels and hideaways that I would love to stay in. It comes with the job; writing about travel and researching places to pitch my photography services to leads me in the direction of boutique stays that I just can’t get out of my head. I found it very difficult to whittle this list down to just 20, but these are the places that are right at the top of my wish list, that I can’t stop thinking about. I’ve already planned loose itineraries for what a trip to one of these getaways would look like.
If you’re looking for inspiration for extra-special, memorabl places to stay in the UK, in the Europe and around the world, read on for my top 20 suggestions.
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Images are all via the hotels & hideaways. No images are my own.
Melisses, Andros, Greece
I’ve been dreaming of a stay at Melisses for a couple of years now, thanks to all the beautiful photographs I’ve seen of their creative retreats. There’s something about this guesthouse perched on a cliff on the isle of Andros that just looks so magical. Allegra, the owner, has considered every detail from the thoughtfully designed interiors to the delicious looking feasts she serves and the overall ambiance. My absolute dream would be to attend one of their retreats, where I could mingle with other guests, stroll down to the sea for morning swims, and take endless photos of that ethereal Greek scenery. I’m actually going to be on Andros at the same time as their Shape of the Light retreat this year, but sadly the stars haven’t aligned. An excuse to plan a future trip.
Sterrekopje Farm, South Africa
Sterrekopje is possibly my number one place on this entire list. South Africa hasn’t particularly been on my radar previously, but I would have to plan a trip there based around a stay at this beautifully designed guest house. Nestled in the foothills of the Franschhoek mountains, this regenerative farm offers a rejuvenating place to stay whether you’re visiting on your own or for one of their retreats. The huge estate boasts 11 private sanctuaries and suites, vast gardens, abundant places to swim (pools, ponds and a lake), the Old Farmhouse with it’s kitchen and bakery, and the Bathhouse where you can choose from a list of rituals. It looks like heaven on earth, and I hope I make it there one day (with an empty SD card, for the thousands of memories I would capture).
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