Searching for European retreats with interiors that are as alluring as surroundings, Harper’s Bazaar UK magazine highlighted 5 amazing hotels, among one is from Transylvania, Romania. Let’s take a closer look.
BELMOND LA RESIDENCIA MALLORCA
Considered an artistic oasis of rustic beauty, La Residencia is perched beside the pretty village of Deià, invites to step inside and experience the creative soul of Mallorca. Belmond La Residencia is a place that knows luxury—and life—is best served chilled. Set between the Tramuntana Mountains and the Mediterranean Sea, wander through sweet-scented citrus trees and ancient olive groves. Beside its panoramic views to the sea and mountains, is the favorite retreat of Gwyneth Paltrow and Kate Moss. The hotel is built around two manor houses dating from 16th & 17th centuries, furnishes with local antiques and Balearic fabrics. Suite 67 was redecorated by British designer Matthew Williamson with botanical art, animal-print cushions and feather lampshades.
La Residencia SPA is award-winning mountain wellness where a tranquil indoor pool, Jacuzzi, sauna, steam room, gym and open-air terraced treatment rooms all invite scenic indulgence. The therapists tailor your therapy–they’re masters in mind-body rejuvenation.
Prices from 600 euro a room per night.
DON TOTU, Puglia, Italy is a place full of history, a secret 18th century palazzo in the heart of San Cassiano, a small Salento town. Its owner was Don Totu, the lord of San Cassiano. Like all secret palazzos in Salento, it is in a central position, has a small façade, very large indoor spaces and large terraces: the privileges of the land steward. The hotel is quite simple, just 6 rooms with vaulted ceilings, stone walls, a pool house and several rooftop terraces, decorated for art lovers, with magnificent pieces as ceramic lamps or fifties-style chairs.
The small underground hammam, exclusive for Don Totu’s guests, with Turkish bath, emotional shower and Jacuzzi, is a place where everything slows down, sounds become soft and the atmosphere relaxing.
Prices from 185 euro a room per night.
GRAND HÔTEL in Stockholm has been home to celebrities, high-profile events and everyday bon-vivants since 1874. It has a rich heritage reflected by opulent interiors, the 273 rooms being decorated in a chic color palette with wooden fishbone parquet floors and marble bathrooms, some with binoculars so you can take a closer look to the Royal Palace or Stromkajen harhour.
The Nordic Spa immediately comes to mind is wholesomeness, closeness to nature and a healthy, sustainable lifestyle. This forms the foundation of the Spa, found in the granite from Grythyttan, Rauk stones from Gotland and the invigorating contrast between the outdoor chill and indoor warmth. Prices from 170 euro a room per night.
ELIVI HOTEL, Skiathos, Greece complements harmoniously the landscape by its 5 stars design concept and nestles in a natural environment of exquisite beauty, forming a unique beachfront hotel, cooled by the sea breeze and bathed by the Aegean sunlight. The luxury hotel combines the chic design with blissful beach living, surrounded by fragrant pine trees. Cool marble staircases lead to rooms filled with bleached-wood furniture and invite to step inside the infinity pool that seems endlessly. A true definition of discreet luxury, inviting to taste savors in sophisticated ambiance with culinary dishes from Asia Minor which formed the Greek cuisine and rightfully placed it at the international gastronomic scene.
The Elemis Spa is a synonym for anti-aging, detoxification, skin therapy, wellness, face and body rejuvenation treatments made by skilled therapists.
Prices from 220 euro a room per night.
RAVEN’S NEST, Transylvania (Sub Piatra), Romania is a kind of a hidden village, perfect place to start exploring this amazing region. It is a remote retreat with all the finest amenities, set amongst sweeping vista views and stunning scenery, set among lush forests, wildflower meadows and limestone caves from Apuseni mountains. Raven’s Nest is a collection of several restored 18th century wooden houses, providing an exquisite place to escape the modern world. The cliff top hot tub with its glorious mountain views is the best spot for sun lovers to enjoy the morning coffee. Guests can also have a delicious breakfast made with local homemade treats or great dinner around the fire pit with palinka plum brandy. Prices from 90 euro a room per night.