9) Astarte Suites Hotel, Greece
Touted “private paradise”, this suite-only luxury retreat rests in Santorini, Greece. Now, when I say ‘Greece’, feel free to envision endless blue sky and sea. And when they say ‘private paradise’ feel free to find your own niche in one of its 9 distinct suites. Note: All suites have volcano and caldera views. That last bit will make you forget about any amenities.
But should a recollection occur you will find everything from isoclima windows and Hermès cosmetics to large private verandas or terraces and heated indoor and outdoor Jacuzzis. And considering the establishment is built in one of the island’s most beautiful areas, opposite to the endless Aegean blue, the good guys at Astarte will readily provide a customized excursion itinerary.
[Astarte-Suites]
8) Panchoran Retreat, Bali
Panchoran Retreat or Linda Garland’s estate is rather unusual in that it is as outlandish as it is homey. Its proprietor, an Irish designer has lived in Bali since the early 70’s, thus, rendering the property its western-luxury-meets-eastern-exoticism appeal. “I fell in love with this river side land where for the last 25 years I have been slowly planting, sculpting and building around the U turn in the river.”
One look and you will fall in love too for the retreat houses a mature garden of giant bamboos and an enormous Bodhi tree with the same ease as it boasts 7 luxurious houses with light weight tropical feather duvet covers and pillows with 200 thread count cotton sheets. Apart from the private pools in the houses, there is a 26-meter lap pool filled with spring water, a bamboo bridge perched over the river as well as little hideaway Bales where you can do yoga, have your massage or read.
[Panchoran-Retreat]
7) Hotel Kakslauttanen, Finland
If, however, you want to go beyond exotic, to downright unique, then “Lapland’s most enchanting holiday resort” for the win! You’d indeed agree with its claims of being the world’s best-kept secret when you hear it offers log cabins for rooms as well as a slew of glass igloos.
And with activities such as Midnight Summer Spotting and Lemmenjoki Cruise in the summer and Husky Safaris and Aurora Hunting in the winter, the arctic resort is the perfect all-year-round holiday abode. For the fantasists, they even have Santa’s home in an idyllic red cabin, at the end of a beautiful wooden walking bridge across a narrow river. Who’d want more!
[Kakslauttanen]
