The dreamiest destinations to book for your next trip …
Odera, Tinos, Greece
Odera is a new boutique hotel on the island of Tinos, best known by religious pilgrims for the Church of Panagia Evangelistria, built in 1823 to honour the Virgin Mary. The island is a short 30 minute boat ride from JMK Airport on Mykonos island or a two-hour ferry journey from Athens.
The sleek hotel has a picture perfect setting in a secluded bay with a private beach. There are 77 guest rooms and pool suites (designed by Studio Bonarchi) which celebrate the island’s traditions, local artisans and producers. Menus have been curated by Greek chef Dimitris Skarmoutsos who celebrates the art of the “simple done well” in the hotel’s a la carte restaurant Eos and casual Beach Bar. As for the hotel’s expansive spa, it mirrors the rejuvenating scenery with holistic treatments (and a hydrogen room). Other activities on offer include hiking, fishing, marble carving workshops and the use of the hotel’s private boat. Room rates start from €350; www.oderatinos.com.
Hôtel Château d’Eau, Paris, France
The Parisian hotel group Touriste has already opened two (much talked about) properties earlier this year – Hotel Beauregard and Hotel de la Boetie, which share the same tongue-in-cheek design vision and encourage visitors to embrace fun. The group’s latest hotel has just opened in the lively Faubourg Saint-Denis and has been designed by Necchi architects Alexis Lamesta and Charlotte Albert. The duo were inspired by the disco scene of the 1970s and 1980s as well as by iconic nightclubs such as Le Palace and Studio 54. Their aim: to combine elegance and functionalism across the rooms, while the bathrooms are inspired by train cabins. Vintage lovers will enjoy the flea market finds which decorate the communal spaces, including ceramic Italian panthers which welcome guests at the door. On the first floor is a ‘fumoir’ which doubles as a lounge and breakfast room. Room rates start from €160; www.touriste.com.
Ruby Bea Hotel & Bar, Florence, Italy
If you are unfamiliar with Ruby hotels they are all named after inspiring female characters from the city in which they are found. The newest Ruby hotel has just opened in Florence (hot on the heels of Ruby Molly, Dublin) and is named after Dante Alighieri’s muse, Beatrice.
The hotel is in a beautiful 19th-century building overlooking the grand, tree-lined Piazza della Libertà and includes 118 rooms, designed in a chic minimalist “lean luxury” style. The ground floor features typical Florentine arcades, and maisonette-style layouts where convex mirrors, part of an interactive art installation, is a playful detail. The outdoor terrace is great for savouring sundowners and also enjoying the local live music scene. The hotel is a short walk from the old town district of San Marco, as well as the Palazzo Medici Riccardi and Fortezza da Basso. Room rates start at €150; www.ruby-hotels.com.
Only You Hotel, Seville, Spain
Given its climate, Seville is a sunny destination for most of the year, so while it might be a bit steamy right now, it’s a perfect early autumn break. Only You Hotel is a fashionable pied-a-terre in this stylish city. The 209-room hotel, situated in front of the Santa Justa AVE train station, is spread over eight floors and includes a green oasis with a pool and bar. The interiors, by renowned Spanish designer Lázaro Rosa-Violán, combine a fusion of cultures with contemporary Mediterranean and Arab influences. Room rates from €112; www.onlyyouhotels.com.
Maison Albar, Le Victoria, Nice, France
Coming soon: Maison Albar, Le Victoria is ideally situated between
the promenade des Anglais and Place Masséna, and a stone’s throw from the old town. The 132-room resort pays homage to the Côte d’Azur coastline with chic, nautical interiors. Design elements include art deco touches, crystal lighting, marine stripes and azure colours. The jewel in the hotel’s crown is its tranquil spa where guests will find a posh marble indoor swimming pool, mosaic-adorned Jacuzzi adorned, hammam, sauna, and a wide range of wellness treatments. Guests will also be able to dine at its rooftop restaurant with panoramic views, take a dip in the rooftop pool, and explore a shopping gallery on the ground floor of the hotel. Opening in September 2024; www.maison-albar-hotels-le-victoria.com.