11
Sterrekopje
Franschhoek, South Africa
“An otherworldly atmosphere that will ground and revive you, with desserts to remind you that a little decadence is part of healing”
Pippa de Bruyn
Head Africa judge
Sterrekopje is set in a biodynamic garden-farm, home to oak trees and dust-pink gabled buildings Credit: Elsa Young
Sterrekopje is a labour of love that grew from the meeting of two soulmates who shared the same dream of creating something extraordinary, connected to nature and designed to nourish and heal. This joint endeavour resulted in a 50-hectare biodynamic garden-farm, home to oak trees and 17th-century dust-pink gabled buildings, which now house 11 sanctuary-like rooms, a bathhouse, bakery and atelier, with two pools, a lake for wild swimming and a floating yoga deck.
Arriving guests have their soles rubbed with oils infused with botanicals from the garden while they sip homemade cordials; other daily “rituals” (individual treatments) and “rhythms” (group activities) are planned as a surprise.
Doubles from £1,302, all-inclusive.
12
Belmond Hotel Cipriani
Venice, Italy
“The short hop across the lagoon from the train station to the Cipriani is more than just a boat ride; it’s the initiation into a dreamy, alternative world – glamorous, romantic, luxurious, exquisitely beautiful, but never stuffy”
Nicky Swallow
Europe judge (Italy)
The legendary Belmond Hotel Cipriani has an idyllic location on the Venetian island of Giudecca Credit: Belmond Hotel Cipriani / Helen Cathcart
A Venetian legend since the 1950s and an enduring paradigm of understated luxury. Quite apart from the Cipriani’s idyllic location on the island of the Giudecca, it offers elegant rooms with their own balconies or terraces, impeccable service, verdant gardens and Venice’s biggest swimming pool. St Mark’s Square is a five-minute (complimentary) boat ride away.
The original 1950s structure is washed in a peachy Bellini pink (its founder invented the cocktail) and furnished in classic style with Venetian art and antiques. Restaurants span the Cip’s Club, whose trump card is its location overlooking the water towards all of Venice’s iconic monuments, Michelin-starred Oro and al fresco seafood spot Il Porticciolo.
Doubles from £1,266, B&B.
13
Son Blanc
Menorca, Spain
Son Blanc, based around a beautiful 19th-century farmhouse, is a love letter to Menorca Credit: Karel Balas
Son Blanc unites local craft, regenerative agriculture and state-of-the-art sustainability in a love letter to the island. The beautiful 19th-century farmhouse is the baby of couple Benoit and Benedicta. To describe it as modern rustic luxe is technically correct, but misses the soulful textures that pervade the stylish space, designed by Atelier du Pont. Every piece of furniture is bespoke and handmade.
A spectacular pool, integrated into the rocky grounds of the farmhouse, has views of the sea and, in summertime, a bar under the fruit trees. Activities include outdoor yoga and pottery, while diners come from all over Menorca to taste the daily changing restaurant menu.
Doubles from £170, B&B.
14
Al Moudira Hotel
Luxor, Egypt
“The magic of Al Moudira resides in its whispering palm grove. It casts a dappled golden light over everything, is full of herbaceous scents and even the song of nightingales after dark”
Al Moudira Hotel provides an incomparable atmosphere and access to Luxor’s Unesco treasures Credit: Al Moudira Hotel / Mark Anthony Fox
Marvellous Al Moudira is a 20-year passion project that has transformed a barren bit of desert into an oasis of swaying palms, fountain-filled patios and frescoed villas. This left-bank beauty, the brainchild of artistic founder Zeina Aboukheir, is now one of Egypt’s first Relais & Chateaux properties and provides an incomparable atmosphere and access to Luxor’s Unesco treasures.
Everything here has been constructed with respect for the past, thanks to Egyptian architect Olivier Sednaoui employing traditional materials and building techniques. Aboukheir’s artful eye has conjured a series of fantastical scenes elaborated with hand-painted murals and textured Middle Eastern antiques – all rescued from crumbling Cairene and Alexandrian mansions.
Doubles from £223, B&B.
15
Nay Palad Hideaway
Siargao, Philippines
Nay Palad Hideaway’s ultra all-inclusive concept covers unlimited spa treatments and excursions such as island-hopping Credit: Phil Blandow
Following the devastation of super typhoon Odette in 2021, the hotel formerly known as Dedon Island Resort has re-emerged as Nay Palad Hideaway, a more intimate and sustainable version of itself. The ultra all-inclusive concept covers all meals, the minibar, unlimited spa treatments, watersports and activities such as island-hopping and cooking classes.
Each of 10 generously sized villas is a homely retreat, with a romantic four-poster bed and bumper bathroom plus an outdoor terrace. Chefs create a daily-changing menu depending on whatever ingredients are available from the property’s organic farm and local fishermen.
Doubles from £692, all-inclusive.
