Alpine Heritage Reimagined
In San Cassiano, Italy, Aman Rosa Alpina has undergone a significant renovation, blending its nearly century-old legacy with modern luxury. The 51-room
hotel, formerly a parish house, now boasts a sophisticated alpine ambiance crafted by designer Jean-Michel Gathy. Guests can enjoy four restaurants, a 65-foot infinity pool, and an expansive 18,000-square-foot spa featuring a hydrotherapy circuit. Despite the modern upgrades, the Pizzini family's warm, welcoming hospitality and traditions, like the resident pianist, remain central to the experience. Doubles start at $2,347.
Artistic Swiss Enclave
The small Swiss village of Sils/Segl Maria, known for attracting cultural figures, gains a new allure with Chesa Marchetta. This 13-room hotel, a project by art gallerists Iwan and Manuela Wirth, embodies stylish rustic luxury. Featuring art installations by renowned artists like Jason Rhoades and interiors by Luis Laplace, the inn offers an intimate yet sophisticated atmosphere. Chef Davide DeGiovanni oversees the restaurant, providing exceptional Italian cuisine. Every detail, from decor to breakfast offerings, is meticulously curated, reflecting the owners' passion for art and the region where they met. Doubles start at $500.
Zambian Wildlife Sanctuary
Chichele Presidential lodge in South Luangwa National Park, Zambia, offers an immersive safari experience following a thorough restoration. Its 10 suites, featuring terra-cotta exteriors and earth-toned interiors with expansive glass doors, provide stunning views of the Luangwa Valley. The lodge provides unexpected culinary delights, from riverbank sundowners to house-made cookies during mid-morning breaks. The core of the guest experience revolves around twice-daily game drives and walking safaris, capitalizing on South Luangwa's reputation for abundant wildlife, particularly leopards. Doubles are priced from $1,625 per person, all-inclusive.
English Farmstead Luxury
Fowlescombe Farm in South Devon, UK, presents a unique blend of a historic working farm and a luxury hotel. With 10 suites housed in a Victorian farmhouse, the property prioritizes its organic, 450-acre estate dating back to 1537. Guests can participate in farm activities like collecting eggs and feeding animals, or simply enjoy the natural surroundings. The suites feature Scandi-inspired simplicity with locally sourced materials, including homemade mattresses filled with farm wool. The Refectory restaurant offers a daily changing menu based on the farm's produce, with an emphasis on ethically sourced ingredients. Doubles start at $718, all-inclusive.
Mount Fuji Ryokan
Gora Kadan Fuji, a modern ryokan in Subashiri, Japan, offers breathtaking views of Mount Fuji from nearly every vantage point. The design mirrors the clean lines and use of cedar and cypress found in traditional ryokan architecture, beautifully framing the natural landscape. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the property features an indoor heated pool, an outdoor hot tub, a fitness center, and a spa. Dining options include kaiseki, sushi, kappo, and teppanyaki. All 42 accommodations feature tatami mats, shoji screens, and hot spring-fed tubs, providing an authentic Japanese experience with modern comforts. Doubles are from $854, including two daily meals.
Gorilla Sanctuary Immersion
Gorilla Forest Lodge, located within Uganda's Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, offers a profound connection to nature and local culture. As the sole property inside this UNESCO World Heritage site, home to endangered mountain gorillas, the lodge reflects a reverent and ancient energy. Guest rooms incorporate woven banana leaves and bark cloth, traditionally reserved for royalty. Experiences focus on conservation, unique ecosystems, and local culture, with a strong emphasis on community benefit. The primary draw is the opportunity to witness mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. The lodge also features two spa treatment rooms for post-trek relaxation. Doubles begin at $975 per person for a seven-night stay.
Costa Rican Beach Haven
Hotel Fermata in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica, offers a tranquil escape near La Lora beach, ideal for families. This boutique property features 35 accommodations, ranging from single rooms and suites to oceanfront casitas and a two-bedroom villa, balancing privacy with a communal atmosphere. Interiors are decorated with sand-hued neutrals and pops of greenery, complemented by curated books on art and design. Guests can enjoy the chic pool, Mediterranean-inspired cuisine at the alfresco restaurant, morning yoga sessions, and surfing lessons at the hotel's surf school. A kids' club and spa with a cold plunge and sauna are also available. Doubles start at $420.
Sustainable Alpine Wellness
Huus Quell, a wellness resort in the picturesque Appenzell region of Switzerland, is a testament to sustainable luxury. Conceived by local tech entrepreneur Jan Schoch, the resort is constructed entirely from locally sourced woods and is carbon-neutral, avoiding metal frames. The spa offers a blend of traditional saunas and steam rooms with advanced biohacking treatments like cryo and infrared therapy. Plastic is largely avoided, and cuisine is predominantly locally sourced, with the exception of a curated wine cellar. The 30 rooms feature custom-designed textiles by Jakob Schlaepfer. Doubles start at $550.
Oaxacan Cliffside Serenity
La Valise Mazunte, perched on a cliffside within the El Torón Reserve in Oaxaca, Mexico, seamlessly integrates with its natural surroundings. Designed by architects Alberto Kalach and Ignacio Urquiza, the retreat was built without heavy machinery to follow the land's contours. The 10 suites and one villa are embedded in the jungle, offering constant ocean rhythms and Pacific views, often enhanced by pentagon-shaped infinity pools. Activities include sunset yoga, mezcal tastings, and horseback riding. The understated restaurant highlights regional flavors, complemented by a mezcal-forward cocktail program. This secluded enclave offers a peaceful escape. Doubles start at $400.
Indian Farmstay Delights
Mharo Khet, a 40-acre farmstay near Jodhpur, India, offers a deeply authentic experience, translating to 'our farm' in the local Marwari language. The property boasts 10 villas, each over 2,000 square feet with private outdoor space, named after Indian ragas. It focuses on vegetarian cuisine, with many ingredients sourced directly from the farm, and offers creative cocktails made with on-site herbs. Guests can enjoy sound-healing sessions, learn Rajasthani recipes, or take pottery lessons. Many visitors find themselves simply relaxing by the pool. Doubles start at $367.
