If you haven’t got any idea for your 2022 travel bucket list. Look no further. We have complied a list of four small luxurious hotels to put on your ultimate relaxation holiday list.
The commonality between all these small luxury hotel is this: Each hotel pays homage to its local surrounds, from its history, the rich colours of the streets and laneways, to the social and cultural diversity of the city, giving guests an unique insight and understanding into the life of the locals.
UP – Ultimate Provence Hôtel (La Garde Freinet, France)
A contemporary retreat nestled within 46 hectares of Côtes de Provence AOP (Protected Designation of Origin) vines in Provence, UP – Ultimate Provence Hôtel plays the card of ultimate comfort and relaxation. Designed by the architects Humbert & Poyet, its bedrooms and suites mirror a Mediterranean setting, with a soothing palette of tones that conjure sea, earth and lavender fields. Sleek mid-century furniture, steel framed windows and poured concrete flooring create an ultra-sophisticated urban feel throughout the common spaces. Outside, luxuriate by the swimming pool against a backdrop of olive trees or indulge in a glass of Ultimate Provence’s signature Rosé under the tented terrace-lounge. The hotel makes its own organic wines with from organically-grown Syrah grapes from its vineyards. End a day of exploration by getting comfortable in the winery’s sommelier-staffed bar and Bistronomic restaurant, for a tasting of some of the Côtes de Provence’s finest offerings.
This hotel is seasonal and welcomes guests from April to October.
Travel tip: Just outside the hotel’s estate the Lac des Escarcets makes a perfect picnicking spot within a spectacular nature reserve. To immerse yourself in Provençal tranquillity, pack a picnic – complete with a bottle of the hotel’s award-winning organic rosé wine. It is also a perfect spot for bird-watching among the scented pine trees.
Casa Delfino Hotel & Spa (Chania, Greece)
Tucked away in a small alley behind Chania’s iconic Venetian harbour, Casa Delfino epitomises old world glamour. A beautifully restored 17th-century Venetian mansion that belonged to Giovanni Delfino, an Italian knight, it’s clear why the same family have held onto it for 6 generations since 1835. With its enviable location right in the heart of Chania’s historic centre, far-reaching ocean views, and warm Greek hospitality, this is a boutique hotel that brings together the very best of Crete. The pride and passion of the Delfino family permeates throughout the hotel – original stone walls and elegant marble floors are the backdrop to handpicked Italian furnishings and antiques in its characterful rooms and suites selected by one of the family members, and each pebble in the courtyard is painstakingly placed by hand. Its rooms come in varying modern or traditional styles, with balconies or terraces offering Old Town street or harbour views. Couples would be pleased with the Romantic suite which has a large whirlpool bathtub and mezzanine bedroom, or the Ottomane suite with its own hammam. The hotel’s breakfasts celebrate timeless Cretan flavours, while the Old Town’s brightly coloured buildings, shops and cafés are just moments from your door.
Travel tip: The sea is the star of the show here – and the best place to take in the view is from the hotel’s elegant rooftop garden with a rooftop bar and whirlpool tub excellent for summer sunbathing. Take in the stunning skyline, across the pastel-coloured Old Town to the twinkling lights of the harbour and the endless blue horizon, then sip on a cocktail as the sun goes down – and the town’s famous Venetian lighthouse lights up.
Isle of Eriska Hotel and Spa (Oban, United Kingdom)
On its own 350-acre island connected to mainland only via a wooden bridge, Isle of Eriska Hotel & Spa is the ultimate rural retreat. This grand countryside house is the perfect antidote to urban life, offering guests a completely unique opportunity to momentarily escape the world. With spectacular views of the surrounding gardens, a plethora of outdoor activities and stunning views of Loch Linnhe and the Morvern Mountains on the front doorstep, it’s a destination to be enjoyed year-round. The Scottish baronial-style hotel subtly blends old with new, the Isle of Eriska’s designer rooms and luxury suites exuding elegance and warmth with contemporary interiors made from the finest fabrics and materials. Meanwhile, adventures await in the hotel grounds and beyond for both adults and children: try your hand at falconry and archery, go on a wildlife walk, or tee off amid epic scenery at The Dragons Tooth Golf Course in Ballachulish. End the day at the hotel’s acclaimed restaurant, one of only ten Michelin starred venues in Scotland. Opt to sit at the conservatory offering views from under the boughs of an ancient oak tree planted the year the house was built. Isle of Eriska is the 6th hotel from the ICMI Luxury Collection to join SLH (Cromlix, Crossbasket, Inverlochy Castle, Greywalls and the The Liming Bequia).
Travel tip: A short walk up the hill from the main Hotel offering incredible views over Loch Creran and onto the beautiful island of Lismore and beyond, Isle of Eriska’s Hilltop Reserves are perfect for a peaceful time away throughout the year.
Maison Dedine (Sidi Bou Said, Tunisia)
With sweeping views over the Bay of Tunis, Maison Dedine isn’t just any seaside hotel. Once the home to an adventurous painter and sailor affectionately nicknamed “Dedine” who designed it himself, it’s a love letter to the ocean, and his children who refurbished the residence into a hotel offering only five rooms, which are named after nicknames of the family members. Located next to the Tunisian Presidential Palace in the very upmarket area of Catharge, its extensive collection of Tunisian art throughout the hotel reflects the owner’s vision of paying tribute to the culture’s heritage and creating a hideaway with a modern-contemporary look and feel. Floor-to-ceiling windows and an infinity pool that puts the panoramic blue horizon centre stage. Add generous living room spaces in the rich navy tones of Hallou and artisanal antique chairs from Bada, and it truly feels like a cosy cocoon perfect for romancing couples where only the song of birds breaks the silence. Meals are also something to look forward at Maison Dedine, where you can be assured of exceptional Tunisian and international gastronomy with impeccable setting, thanks to the owner’s background as one of Tunisia’s leading catering companies.
Travel tip: Explore the quirky art galleries of nearby town Sidi Bou Said, a long-established boho haven for adventurers, storytellers and artists including the likes of André Gide and Henri Matisse. The main street, Rue Habib Thameur, is lined with shops, boutiques, galleries and eateries. Look out for a hole in the wall stall with a long queue – it is likely one where locals are queuing for a Bambalounis – a delicious sugar-dusted Tunisian doughnut. The palace of painter and musicologist Baron Rodolphe d’Erlanger, the Frenchman who set off the Instagrammable blue-and–white colour scheme of the town, is also worth visiting.
