Prehistoric cave hotel: Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita

Restored with ultimate respect to local tradition, Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita, situated in the Sassi area of Matera, a town in Southern Italy is a 9,000-year-old Italian cave dwelling. Literally cut into the volcanic tufa of the Matera hillside, the caves of Sextantio Le Grotte Della Civita were originally a stronghold for Italian peasants. Forcibly removed in the 1950s, many of the peasants came back against the government’s wishes. Today, the area has become a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is attracting curious travelers to its snaking rooftop streets, craggy hillside drop offs, and stone cathedrals.

At Sextantio Le Grotte Della Civita, great care was put into restoring the 18-room hotel. They were very clever in keeping the integrity of the caves intact by using the original architectural materials from the area, disguising the use of modern technology and maintaining the new design to a minimum. The decor of the rooms is very basic using plain furniture built out of recycled materials, yet keeping the rural historic tradition through colors, textures, scents and even candles identified with the area. Where elements needed to be added to bring in modern amenities, like freestanding Stark baths, were chosen based on their unobtrusive design. Their philosophy was not to betray the ‘soul’ of the building, but to preserve the caves’ rural heritage. Stunning perspectives, original hand-hewn church building blocks, and some dramatic illumination make for magical moments at this extraordinary hotel.

To stay at this sensational boutique hotel, rates start at $131 per night, from here.

Singita Boulders Lodge in Sabi Sand Game Reserve

Singita Boulders Lodge overlooks South Africa’s shallow Sand River in the middle of a 33,000 acre territory that boasts the highest concentration of wildlife in all of Kruger National Park. The luxury lodge offers twelve sumptuous, authentic and refined suites offer stunning views of the banks of the river Sand. Each boasts its own pool and private terrace, guaranteeing you total harmony with nature. You will quickly find that midday hours are best reserved for relaxing by the pool to beat the heat.

The Singita Sabi Sand Game Reserve is home to high concentrations of lions, rhino, buffalo, elephant, and leopard. You’ll get the chance to track them with knowledgeable guides in the mornings and evenings, when they’re most active. When you get back from your safari, you will find a delicious African inspired gourmet meal waiting for you to enjoy in the shade of centuries-old trees. The lodge also boasts Africa’s finest bush cellar where you can enjoy an exclusive wine tasting. The lodge even offers a fully equipped gym (with a full view of the savanna) and a diverse menu of spa treatments, including traditional African treatments and hot stone massages.

Nightly rates for this exclusive luxury lodge starting from USD $2,867, from here.

Sumptuous Morukuru Lodge in Madikwe reserve

Morukuru Lodge tucked away in the heart of the Madikwe reserve and, one of the largest reserves in South Africa, is named after the lofty trees which lend it their shade. Enfolding guests in peace and comfort, three superb villas accommodates families and groups of friends who wish to spend some special time together, far from everything, on an exclusive-use basis. The stone and timber villas are meticulously decorated, and open out onto immaculately preserved luxuriant nature: the perfect place if you want to observe wildlife and the numerous “Big Five” animals on the reserve. Airy bedrooms feature a fireplace for chilly nights and large, insect-screened sliding doors opening on to tree-shaded private balconies.

Spacious bathrooms have deep baths with a view of the bush, and both inside and outside, monkey’s eye-view private showers for an unforgettable bush experience. An additional four junior guests can be comfortably accommodated in the kid’s room, where they have access to recreational facilities. The superbly appointed living area offers fine dining for a complete party of ten, with cuisine prepared to your taste and requirements by your personal chef. Guests can also have breakfast in the morning sunshine to the accompaniment of cackling Wood Hoopoes, lunch ‘al fresco’ in the shaded garden, or dinner by starlight and candles on the broad pool deck overlooking the fast-flowing Marico River.

To stay at this spectacular lodge, prices range from $1,908 – $2,857.81 per night for four guests and $5,618.57 per night with a four night minimum for peak season for six adults and four children, from here.

The heated infinity pool is surrounded by comfortable loungers for relaxing, bush-view siestas after a dip in the cool water. A wooden veranda surrounds the lodge perimeter, providing quiet nooks for the private bush showers, leading to a romantic riverside raised walkway. On moonlit nights, dine around a crackling bonfire in the boma and on chilly nights or lazy days, savor the welcoming peace of the luxurious indoor lounge area, with its deep, comfortable couches, night-time crackling fire and panoramic daytime view of the bush and passing wildlife.

Eco-luxury Villa Adamo on Formentera Island

Villa Adamo is an eco-luxury villa located off the road to Cap de Babaria, Formentera, Balearic islands. The villa has a warm and rustic, simple and inviting feeling. The dominant color inside that serves as a canvas, is the pure white walls and ceilings, only tinged with the color of the rustic wood. Sometimes in natural color variations and sometimes in blue, memory of the sea that washes the island. The use of a few chosen pieces of furniture with a special rustic charm of restored furniture and old flavor, sometimes at odds with luxury items, breaks up the outline of simplicity and reinforces it. There are six bedrooms in this holiday home that is available from here. Enjoy this spectacular rustic home!

Charming blue-shuttered Provençal villa in St. Tropez

Villa Pearl is a charming blue-shuttered Provençal villa that enjoys a privileged location right on the edge of St. Tropez, yet is privately tucked away in the countryside amidst surrounding vineyards. The two story villa offers five lovely guest bedrooms, three with en-suite bathrooms. Shaded by olive trees and sweet-scented Mediterranean pines and surrounded by vineyards, the garden makes a tranquil and calming escape from the world. A covered terrace runs the length of the house, shading outdoor living and dining areas.  The large pool is set in the private garden and provides lounging areas under over-sized umbrellas.

Indoors, the main floor hosts ample living areas as well as the open plan, fully equipped kitchen and dining area, elegantly furnished in a classic style.  Light and airy, the living areas open directly to the terrace and outdoor living spaces.  A cozy fireplace provides warmth on chillier evenings. The main floor also provides two of the bedrooms, a playroom, TV room, a convenient powder room and the laundry room. The roomy master bedroom is on the upper level, includes a sitting area, and opens to the balcony. The master bedroom hosts an en-suite bathroom.  Two further double bedrooms are on the upper level and share an ample bathroom.  A one bedroom staff quarter is also onsite.

An oasis of calm and tranquility, Villa Pearl is roomy, bright, and secluded, while remaining close to the culture, dining venues, nightlife and beaches of famed St. Tropez. Prices range from $4,668 – $6,785 per night or $29,567 per week, sleeping up to ten people, from here.

Luxury fantasy getaway to the Dusit Thani Maldives

Dusit Thani Maldives blends graceful Thai hospitality with the unparalleled luxury setting of the beautiful Maldives. Encircled by white sandy beaches, a rich house reef and turquoise lagoon, the resort on Mudhdhoo Island hosts 100 villas and residences. The resort features Beach Villas, Beach Villas with Pool, Lagoon Villas with Pool, Ocean Villas with Pool, and the exclusive Ocean Pavilions and Beach Residences, all offering a haven of modern sophistication with luxurious amenities and technology.

Dusit Thani Maldives fuses a fine selection of restaurants with uncompromising service and spectacular views. Retreat from the midday heat to enjoy poolside snacks. The Sala Bar is perfect for watching the sunset or star gazing. Elevated in a grove of coconut palm trees, Dusit’s signature Devarana Spa is one of a kind in the Maldives. Devarana Spa features six tree-top treatment pods nestled in to enhance the spa journey.

Located near Hanifaru Huraa, a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve renowned as a feeding ground for manta rays and whale sharks, Dusit Thani Maldives offers guests diving and snorkeling; a 750 square meter swimming pool – the largest in the Maldives; fully-equipped fitness studio with personal trainer and yoga instructor; resident marine biologist; children’s play area and club facility; library with internet stations; and island boutiques.

Charming S’Hotelet de Santanyi in Mallorca

Serene, secluded s´Hotelet de Santanyí is found in charming Santanyí, an enchanting village full of tradition to the island’s south. Next to the town’s church in the heart of Santanyí is where S´Hotelet de Santanyí is found, a centuries-old family home that has been converted into a hotel disposing of five rooms and a private house. The hotel is a masterstroke of dream combinations, minimalist yet cozy, with a soothing neutral palette brought to life with exotic artworks gathered from across the globe.

Open all year round, the hotel offers all the comforts necessary to enjoy the tranquility and the authenticity of lifestyle in a town. All of the rooms and lounge rooms, as well as the interior patio and terraces have been designed following balanced and harmonious guidelines making each space welcoming and delicate.

To stay at this beautiful Majorcan retreat, prices start at $243.16 per night, from here.