Airelles La Bastide, Gordes, France
Perched dramatically above the hilltop village of Gordes in the Luberon, this remarkably chic hideaway is the perfect blend of Provençal heritage and contemporary luxury. Housed within a historic property with more than five centuries of history, the hotel has the character of an elegant private residence rather than a conventional five-star resort. Its terraces, hanging gardens and panoramic views stretch across the Luberon, creating an atmosphere of timeless French refinement.
While its origins date back more than 500 years, its interiors draw heavily on the elegance of 18th-century Provence. Following its transformation into an Airelles maison in 2015, more than 150 craftsmen and women helped restore and reinterpret the property, incorporating antique furniture, period artworks, intricate woodwork and sumptuous Provençal fabrics.
The 34 rooms and 6 suites continue this sense of understated grandeur. Each is individually decorated, combining carefully sourced antiques, elegant panelling, traditional textiles and works of art with the comforts expected of a modern Palace hotel. With sweeping views and authentic 18th-century details, you'll feel like royalty dropped back in time!
Intimate, historic and unmistakably Provençal, with exceptional service, it is the perfect place to experience the Luberon's charms, especially the food. Dine at Clover, beneath the romantic ivy-clad ceiling, overlooking the valley. The menu by Jean-François Piège and beautiful details have made it a must. Don't miss the classic snails, tasty beef carpaccio and their take on the Niçoise salad. For dessert, a clafoutis is just the thing with a café. Another option is the newly opened Beefbar, a concept from Monaco — a completely different vibe.
The new restaurant is Riccardo Giraudi's concept, combining exceptional meats, relaxed glamour and informal sharing-style dining. The menu is all about cuts from Australia, Japan and the United States, alongside Beefbar's street-food-inspired dishes like Crab Taquitos and Baby Quesadillas with black truffle. The legendary Mini "Big" Smash burgers are also awesome, while the Rock Corn popcorn in tempura might just change your life! For mains, try the iconic Wagyu Beef chuck confit and grilled, with olive daube jus, the Korean BBQ gochujang-marinated beef, which comes with its own personal grill, not to mention the array of mashed potatoes with flavours ranging from truffle to jalapeño or insanely good lemon and lime, all creamy and buttery and simply delicious. For dessert the highlight was definitely the Marbled Chocolate Bar, a chocolate feast of crispy biscuit, and flowing caramel that looked like a lingot that belonged in a Swiss vault. The Peach Melba Soufflé and Millefeuille XXL are also very tempting.
Distinctly chic, the Airelles La Bastide is an ideal hideout for foodies in search of elegance in the Luberon. airelles.com
COMO Castello Del Nero, Italy
Hidden in the waves of terraced hills in Tuscany lies COMO Castello Del Nero. At the heart of this historic 740-acre estate is a twelfth-century castle layered with Renaissance frescoes and contemporary design, Michelin-starred Le Torre restaurant, and the signature COMO Shambhala Retreat. The estate offers an array of opulent Tuscan lodgings, including the COMO Terrace Suite — a testament to unrivalled luxury — featuring a separate living room, separate shower and bathtub and a huge private terrace overlooking the property's towering turrets of vines, olive groves and feathery cypress trees. comohotels.com
Palace Hotel Tokyo, Japan
Originally built in the 1960s, Palace Hotel Tokyo re-opened in May 2012 after a USD 1.2 billion rebuild from the ground up. Its moat-side setting opposite the Imperial Palace gardens provides an incomparable perspective on the city, with a serene, understated luxury that honours the legacy of Japanese hospitality. Inspired by the capital's natural splendour, the hotel features soft leafy motifs, warm earthy hues, floor-to-ceiling views and private balconies. Among them, the Terrace Suite features a 40-square-metre private outdoor retreat overlooking the gardens. Ten restaurants and bars offer distinctive culinary experiences, while the exceptional evian SPA uniquely blends French savoir-faire with Asian therapies. The whole ambience of the hotel is a respite for the senses, with even the lobby enveloped in the subtle 'Pure Tranquility' aroma of their signature scent, a delicate blend of 11 essential oils. en.palacehoteltokyo.com
Longueville Manor, Jersey, UK
Set within 18 acres of private gardens and woodland, Longueville Manor is one of only three privately owned AA Five Red Star hotels in the British Isles. Family-owned and a member of Relais & Châteaux, the elegant country house pairs timeless luxury with exceptional gastronomy.
Executive Head Chef Andrew Baird, the first chef on the island to earn a Michelin star, creates seasonal menus celebrating Jersey's renowned seafood and produce, much of it sourced from the manor's own Victorian Kitchen Garden. Guests can also enjoy one of the Channel Islands' finest wine cellars, home to more than 5,000 bottles, as well as exclusive charters aboard Longueville Manor's luxury yacht, Fizz Too. Complete with Champagne, a seafood lunch and time spent exploring Jersey's spectacular coastline, the experience offers a truly memorable way to discover the island. With elegant rooms, a heated outdoor pool, spa and impeccable service, Longueville Manor delivers understated luxury at every turn. longuevillemanor.com
Luster Hotel, Lisbon, Portugal
Book into Penthouse Suite 906 for a cool duplex experience, complete with rooftop views and a long terrace, perfect for sipping sundowners.
The hotel itself is situated in vibrant Arroios, very close to the Saldanha neighbourhood and a stone's throw from Avenida da Liberdade. Easily accessible, there are restaurants, takeaway sushi and even a mall around the corner for all your essentials.
Designed by renowned Portuguese architect Miguel Saraiva and managed by Amazing Evolution, Luster is now a five-star hotel, combining contemporary design with touches of Portuguese heritage and local craftsmanship. Guests are welcomed by a striking tile installation by Portuguese artist Add Fuel, who gives the traditional azulejo a cool, contemporary twist. The look throughout is modern Art Deco-inspired. Rooms are dressed in relaxing cool greys and blues, with pale grey floors, navy velvet upholstered headboards and light fittings that have a real mid-century feel. Even the mirrors have perfectly oval edges. A big plus is the Clarins products in the bathroom. In the duplex suites, the sofa-bed downstairs is great for a family stay, while the Nespresso machine and milk capsules are a welcome addition to wake-up time.
Outside, the pool on the third floor gives a little Miami vibe, with its pink and dark racing-green colour scheme. It feels like a hidden oasis, offering welcome relief from the city heat. And you can swim in winter too, as there's also an indoor pool and gym tucked away on the first floor, along with the spa. The restaurant, Oui Mais Non, follows the same Deco-inspired style, with dark green velvet booths and a sleek marble bar. At lunchtime, the menu offers delicious octopus rice, Portuguese-style steak and very tasty roast beef with Russian salad, not to mention a short but satisfying dessert list, including brownies, sticky toffee pudding and pineapple carpaccio. For breakfast, don't miss the amazing waffles, eggs Benedict and fresh pineapple, carrot and ginger juice.
With 53 rooms and three duplex suites, Luster manages to combine the feel of a stylish boutique hotel with the facilities of a little city resort. It's a perfectly packaged city-centre hotel and an ideal pied-à-terre for your Lisbon getaways. lusterhotels.com/en
Hilton Molino Stucky Venice, Italy
Situated in Italy's iconic Venice on the peaceful island of Giudecca, Hilton Molino Stucky Venice is a modern Venetian masterpiece. Formerly a flour mill factory, this listed building has been beautifully restored with a series of recent refurbishments including sophisticated deluxe rooms and spacious, elegant suites—some offering incredible views of picture-perfect Venice. Among them, the two-floor Presidential Suite, designed by Biagio Forino during its 2020 refurbishment, offers an exceptional retreat with Murano glass decorations, specially curated art and private access to the rooftop terrace overlooking the city. Beyond the accommodation, guests can savour authentic Venetian flavours at Bacaromi or sip on signature cocktails at Skyline Rooftop Bar. The eforea Spa, panoramic rooftop pool and private shuttle boat to Piazza San Marco complete an indulgent Venetian escape. hilton.com
Four Seasons Resort, Bali
The resort partnered with the world's largest hospitality design firm, Hirsch Bedner Associates (HBA), on a refresh anchored in Balinese heritage. Updated in July 2026, seven suites combine traditional Balinese craftsmanship with light, earthy fabrics inspired by Ubud's rice paddies and dark stained wood, creating a contemporary feel.
Modern comforts include integrated smart-home technology, while sustainability underpins the resort's evolution, with eco-efficient air-conditioning and locally sourced materials chosen for longevity. Its distinctive rice bowl-shaped architecture appears to float above the treetops in the Ayung River Valley, where guests can savour authentic Indonesian flavours at Ayung Terrace, sip afternoon tea at Jati Bar, unwind at the Sacred River Spa and experience local traditions such as rice-farming rituals. fourseasons.com/sayan
Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, Vietnam
Opened in 1901, Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, reigns as the Grande Dame of Vietnamese hospitality and one of Southeast Asia's most legendary hotels—a popular rendezvous for world leaders and royalty.
The recently renovated historical Heritage Wing, maintains a romantic atmosphere with suites named after renowned guests, offering a blend of historic charm and modern amenities to elevate guest experience, including a bespoke Parisian cafe-inspired breakfast, along with complimentary high tea, evening cocktails and 24-hour Majordome service. An example is the Charlie Chaplin suite, named after the famous actor who stayed at the hotel during his honeymoon in 1936, with charming views over Con Coc park. sofitel.accor.com
Culloden Estate & Spa, Northern Ireland, UK
Established in 1876, Culloden Estate & Spa became Northern Ireland's first five-star hotel in 1996. The estate has played host to royalty and dignitaries, with its Scottish Baronial architecture and beautifully preserved interiors reflecting its rich heritage. Elegant accommodation combines historic grandeur with modern luxury, including the Palace Suite, decorated in rich velvets, marble accents and bespoke furnishings, with a private balcony overlooking Belfast Lough. Its award-winning spa completes the experience, with extensive wellness facilities and treatments, providing a restorative retreat within the peaceful surroundings of this historic estate. cullodenestateandspa.com
Ibiza Gran Hotel, Spain
Ibiza Gran Hotel is a 5-Star Grand Luxe property where contemporary Mediterranean elegance meets curated art and refined interiors. Set on the Paseo Marítimo, it enjoys views across the harbour towards Ibiza's old town, with historic Dalt Vila and Talamanca Beach just a short walk away. Its 1,300 m² Open Spa offers an extensive range of facilities and treatments, while dining ranges from the poolside Mirai to Michelin-starred La Gaia by Óscar Molina. The hotel's outdoor spaces provide a tranquil setting for soaking up the island sunshine, while its elegant interiors offer a sophisticated retreat. For an extra taste of indulgence, the 150 m² Gran Suite Dalt Vila features a private terrace with heated infinity pool and breathtaking views towards the Mediterranean. Together, these elements make the hotel a sophisticated base for experiencing Ibiza in style, combining relaxation, gastronomy and the island's vibrant atmosphere. ibizagranhotel.com/en
Hotel Pulitzer, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Pulitzer Amsterdam is a distinctive luxury hotel spanning 25 interconnected 17th- and 18th-century canal houses overlooking the Prinsengracht and Keizersgracht canals in Amsterdam's UNESCO-listed historic centre.
Its 225 individually designed rooms and suites combine historic character, contemporary design and Dutch craftsmanship, complemented by restaurant Jansz., Pulitzer's Bar, an elegant inner garden and private canal boats.
For Christmas 2026, the hotel will take on a particularly festive atmosphere, with a special Christmas tree designed by Dutch designer Jan Taminiau, known for his work with Queen Máxima. Set in the Nine Streets, Pulitzer offers a refined base for exploring Amsterdam's cultural landmarks. pulitzeramsterdam.com