There is a certain joy that comes with travelling. Is it the feeling of freedom and adventure? The opportunity to discover a new culture or a new city? Or, is it the sheer wonder of being away from home, escaping your everyday rituals and routines? Of not having to face the 9-5 realities and instead, waking up beneath crisp luxury hotel bed sheets, sipping on a cup of coffee in your new favourite spot, swimming in sparkling blue seas and taking in the beauty of nature.
Whatever it may be, there aren’t many other things that beat that feeling of stepping into a new hotel that’s been on your travel list for years, or spending your hard earned money on an unforgettable experience and of making memories in new places.
Allow me to introduce to you my wish-list of hotels and huts across Europe that I’d love to stay in one day, spanning low-key pubs to 5* luxury elegance.
This is part 1 - covering the UK, Italy, France, Spain & The Balearics.
A girl can dream, right?
The Bull Inn, Totnes
an organic, ethical pub with rooms, that recently won the National Sustainability Award. cosy, stylish & a seriously delicious food menu downstairs with pastries over the road for breakfast.
Aller, Dorset
shepherd’s huts, outdoor baths, cottage chic decor & surrounded by beautiful countryside. I would like to spend a long weekend here.
The Rest & Wild, Exmoor
the ultimate retreat where you are ensconced in nature. wild swimming and outdoor bathing are the norm here.
The Newt, Somerset
an estate, farm and one of the UK’s finest country-houses. think countryside chic, wrapped in wood-land and dipped in love. people who stay here don’t stop talking about it for a reason.
The Fife Arms, Scottish Highlands
an original 19th century hunting lodge, turned boutique 5* hotel with 2 Michelin Keys, sounds pretty special to me. fish on a nearby lake, hike the land, wild swim, forage, or simply hunker down by a roaring fire with a whisky. this is my ultimate winter escape.
Belmond Hotel Cipriani, Venice
“an oasis of serenity”, transporting you in time, to what can only be described as cinematic 70’s glamour. I dream of staying in this classic Italian hotel.
Casa Newton, Tuscany
a newly renovated rural agriturismo with 9 rooms, decorated with mid-century furniture, a terracotta brick exterior & bubblegum pink pool umbrella’s. what is not to love? a rare escape in nature with a side of locally sourced food and interiors worth adding to your Pinterest.
Villa Cozzano, Tuscany
rich in 500 years of history, Villa Cozzano holds family at the heart. still run by the original family, Cozzano is a beautiful 24 room house, surrounded by the rolling Tuscan hills. to me, this is the perfect place to spend a week, or two, or actually, my wedding.
Belmond Villa San Michele, Florence
more Belmond luxury, but when in Italy, when else? carved into the Florence hills, this is a cultural haven where you can enjoy a spritz in the enchanting gardens, floating above Florence.
Tonnara di Scopelllo, Sicily
fishing village turned chic, Mediterranean seaside escape, where the sea breeze floats through your bedroom window as you listen to the sound of the waves. another dreamy, but out of budget wedding venue.
Forestis, The Dolomites
boutique wellness hosted within the Italian alps. I envision a regenerative stay here of pure relaxation and impeccable modern cooking.
La Grand Hotel Cayre, Paris
a roaring 20’s inspired hotel nestled in the heart of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, with interiors that I will be saving for the foreseeable future.
Tuba Club, Marsielle
since discovering this ‘home’ by the sea, Tuba has long been on my list. from the intimacy of just 5 cabin’s and the yellow striped sun loungers, to something steeped in such history, it is a must visit for me.
Château de Théoule, Cote d’AZur
it’s French Riviera perfection. originally a soap factory, now 5* luxury hotel, I imagine staying here would feel like being in a film, with it’s elegant decor and private beach.
Les Roches Rouges, Cote d’AZur
an instagram discovery from ‘that’ classic chair balcony photograph we have probably all seen. a clean, airy and bright hotel overlooking the Mediterranean. more French Riviera dreams.
Experimental Chalet, Val D’lsere
‘a winter haven in the heart of the French alps’ - chalet chic by the Experimental group who just get it. hunker down amongst the blue, red and white decor with views of the mountains.
Hotel Regina, Barcelona
a timeless classic lies beneath the Barcelona blue skies. the perfect location for enjoying a relaxing un-wind after a day of exploring and eating.
Six Senses, Ibiza
ibiza luxury at it’s finest. nestled in the north of the island, away from the parties and instead, at one with nature. an escape for wellness, community and connection.
The Lodge, Mallora
a luxury retreat rich in culture and where words such as tranquil and elegance come to mind. surrounded by almond trees and orchards, located in a private nature reserve, the lodge is the kind of place you wouldn’t want to leave - without sounding cult-y.
Grand Hotel Son Net, Mallorca
hidden at the foot of Serra de Tramuntana, 20 minutes from Palma and declared a World Heritage Site, Son Net has been on my saved google maps folder long since discovering it. 25 sophisticated rooms housed in a 17 century Mallorca manor, tucked into an oasis of private gardens, authentic flavours wafting from the kitchen and a spa that looks as though it’s been carved into the hillside. Son Net sounds exceptional.
And that’s a wrap… part 2 will be landing in your inbox this week. Leave me a comment if any of these are on your list, and your favourite hotels so I can add them to my Google Maps!
Speak soon.
Jasmine x
I'm impatiently waiting for part 2!
These all look insane! Definitely keeping in mind for future Europe travels 🙏🏻