Niyama Private Islands is spread out over two isles - “Play” and “Chill” - and filled with thousands of different-sized coconut palm trees that rustle in the wind. The first thing that strikes one upon arrival is the infinite peace that makes you feel as if you were in your very own tropical paradise.

Spacious and elegant high wooden ceiling villas are built over the water or come with direct beach access. The Beach Pool Villas are our top pick and come equipped with enormous beds. A pool in the suite ́s private garden is perfect for a dip at midnight and there is a tropical outdoor rain shower and huge ceramic bathtub to bathe under the starry sky. On the outdoor deck, you can enjoy the view of endless blues and heavenly sunsets. The islands are eco-friendly and provide their guests with bicycles to bike to places like SURF SHACK for some Sundowners before enjoying the breezy ride back to their villas.

It ́s still a mystery to us how you can have the highest standard of privacy and peace even though there are 134 studios on the two islands. You rarely see other guests cycling through the labyrinths full of coconut trees, ferns and other tropical plants or on the epic wooden bridge that connects the Play and Chill. However, Niyama can be as peaceful and quiet or as busy and active as each guest desires. No matter if you are looking for adventure, relaxation, romance, surfing, or exclusive dining, Niyama offers tropical-island chic at its finest. It has something for everyone: speed boating to find spinner dolphins and flying fishes, one-on-one surfing lessons and scuba diving to spot turtles and reef sharks, and hopping on a boat bus that brings you to SUBSIX, a restaurant six metres below the water. The restaurant turned nightclub comes highly recommended for its top-notch local lobster set menu with champagne while dining in the company of stingrays, snappers, and sharks that pass by your table. And for those who are looking to get a gym session in, check out PUMP or ACTIVE where you can play pool, air-tennis, regular tennis, or badminton. It’s safe to say that there is plenty to do here!

The setting boasts an impressive number of culinary attractions to dine. There ́s the Maldives-only Afro-Latin restaurant named TRIBAL that combines fine dining with cuisines from Africa, Central, and South America. Then the atmospheric three-top Asian restaurant, NEST, is six metres above ground amongst Banyan trees and showcases a fantastic teppanyaki-style experience to the tune of tropical birds. On the ground, there ́s a garden that bears extra hot Maldivian chillies, fresh coriander, watermelon, and salads. Local fishermen also bring their daily catch of yellowfin tuna or mahi mahi.

The Niyama Private Islands is an absolute sensation with its postcard perfect rustling palm trees and white sand refreshed by the palest turquoise that the Indian Ocean has to offer.

AMAN Venice,
Italy

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Elephant Weimar, Germany

The boutique hotel belongs to the Autograph Collection, with which Marriott offers exceptional, hand-picked hotels with a unique perspective in design, craftsmanship and hospitality under the premise "exactly like nothing else". No Autograph Collection Hotel resembles another. All hotels leave their own mark with a unique differentiator and story.

The Hotel Elephant Weimar is the house of history and has been a place of encounters for more than 300 years. As a hotspot and living room of the city, it inspires travellers from all over the world as well as locals from the city itself.

According to legend, the name of the house goes back to the Middle Ages: At that time, only a few people could read and write, so it was common to name hostels after animals and to attach corresponding symbols to the facade in a clearly visible way for orientation.

The unmistakable charm of the boutique hotel is characterized by timelessly elegant design and classic Art Deco and Bauhaus elements, which come into their own in the 99 comfortable rooms and suites or the public areas. In the lightroom, the heart of the hotel, the focus is on the hotel's own art collection.

Thes pillars of the house can be experienced: art, architecture, music, literature & design.

Niyama Private Islands, Maldives

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Barceló Torre de Madrid, Spain

As the Berlin morning fog dissipates, revealing the iconic Bebelplatz in all its historic grandeur, there lies a gem amongst its cobblestones: Hotel de Rome.

Last weekend, my family and I, including two spirited youngsters, decided to let Hotel de Rome be our urban sanctuary. Spoiler alert: It was a poetic blend of the past meeting the present, much like a techno beat playing in a vintage vinyl shop.

The façade, stoic and regal, belies the kaleidoscope of experiences that awaits within. Those Atelier Prométhée magenta urns standing sentry at the entrance aren’t just decorative pieces; they are the vanguards of taste and sophistication. As we stepped in, our senses were greeted by the almost ethereal glow of Olivia Steele’s neon birdcage, encapsulating the soul of the city—a delicate balance between confinement and freedom.

Having two kids, we are always on a quest for immersive experiences. And with Hotel de Rome's proximity to Berlin's wonders, our days were packed. Sightseeing was the main course, with the Zoo being the cherry on top. Ah, to see the delight in our children’s eyes as they encountered exotic creatures, just moments away from our hotel abode!

Nightfall at the hotel is nothing short of cinematic. The Rooftop Terrace is where we, the modern flâneurs, found solace. As the Berlin skyline erupted in a ballet of lights, we toasted to life, sipping meticulously crafted cocktails, each sip echoing the city's multifaceted tales.

As the day surrendered to night, our suite beckoned. A symphony of heritage design and contemporary luxury awaited us. The king-sized bed, more a cloud than a piece of furniture, cradled our weary bodies. There's a unique comfort in knowing that while the world outside continues its relentless pace, within these walls, time stands still, even if just for a night.

Hotel de Rome? Picture it as a fusion of old-school tales with the now.

The hotel‘s rooms and suites are spacious and elegantly appointed, with views of the city skyline. The interior design is modern and luxurious, the furniture is modern and stylish and offerings are made through various room types, including suites and deluxe rooms.

The hotel‘s facilities include a rooftop pool, a state-of-the-art fitness centre, and a spa. The restaurants offer a variety of international cuisines, and the bar is the perfect place to relax with a cool drink.

The Hotel Barceló Torre de Madrid is the ideal choice for travellers seeking the ultimate in luxury and comfort.

Elephant Hotel, Weimar

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Hubertus Mountain, Allgäu

The new name is also a tribute to Hubertus, the patron saint of hunters and fishermen. The hotel's logo features a silhouette of a stag, which is also the symbol of Bavaria.

The hotel offers 66 luxury suites and apartments, most of them with its own private balcony or terrace with views of the mountains.

The hotel also features a spa with an indoor pool, saunas, and a variety of treatments. The new spa features an infinity pool, an Alpine Zen garden with Japanese Onsen pools, and a natural bathing pond. The hotel's restaurant serves regional cuisine made with fresh ingredients from the Allgäu region. The restaurant has a terrace with views of the mountains. The hotel also offers a variety of activities, including hiking, biking, skiing, and golf.

The Hotel is the ideal choice for travellers seeking the ultimate in luxury and comfort while spending days in pure nature.

Barceló Torre de Madrid, Spain

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Waldorf Astoria, Berlin

.c/vulture
Almyra Hotel / Cyprus

Imagine a sanctuary of tranquility that effortlessly weaves the playful humor, chic design, and soulful spirit of Mediterranean hospitality into a holiday experience that is delightfully less ordinary. That is the magic you'll find at the Almyra Hotel in Cyprus.

Occupying an expansive eight acres of picturesque ocean-view gardens, Almyra commands an enviable position on the Pafos promenade. The hotel's stunning location is a mere stone's throw away from the captivating Pafos Castle and bustling harbor, as well as the House of Dionysos, famed for its awe-inspiring mosaics. This prime location offers guests an immersive cultural experience within easy reach of the hotel's luxurious confines.

Beyond the delightful pleasures of its location, the Almyra Hotel distinguishes itself as a holistic haven, boasting a remarkable spa that has earned accolades for its innovative approach to wellness. Six treatment rooms, three spa suites, saunas, steam rooms, a Vichy treatment area, an outdoor pool, an indoor pool, a rooftop yoga deck, sun terraces, and the Eauzone restaurant and bar encompass an immersive wellness journey. Treatments focus on health, beauty, and wellbeing, utilizing products from OSEA's naturally-derived marine-based skincare line, medical-grade offerings from QMS Medicosmetics, and the 'beyond organic' healing energy skincare by ila.

Every room at Almyra is a study in understated luxury, delivering a refreshing escape from the ordinary. Whitewashed walls kissed by waves of bold, dazzling colors shimmer in the Mediterranean sun, providing a striking contrast to the minimalist design. Unexpected touches, such as candle-lit roof terraces and delightful homemade goodies, add an element of surprise that brings unexpected joy to your stay.

Furthermore, an exclusive adults-only wing guarantees a tranquil oasis for guests seeking serene solitude amidst the vibrant ambiance of Almyra.

Waldorf Astoria, Berlin

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AMYTH, Mykonos

Crafted as a sanctuary for the soul, Amyth Hotel offers a genuine 'at-home' hospitality that encourages you to delve deeper into the mesmerizing facets of Mykonian life.

Envision tranquility defined by boho-luxe decor, the soothing sound of the Aegean Sea, and the warm embrace of the Greek sun. With 17 meticulously designed rooms, each boasting cosy residential amenities and inviting spaces for lounging, Amyth Hotel strikes the perfect balance between chic, modern comfort and the traditional Mykonian laid-back lifestyle.

Breathtaking ocean views, intimate hot-tub sunsets, and sun-soaked terraces with room for cocktails — each of these come standard when you choose to make Amyth your home away from home. For those seeking a private space to celebrate or unwind, Amyth also caters to private party buyouts, making it an exclusive haven just minutes away from the island's most enticing spots.

Food, at its heart, tells a story. Amyth's in-house dining option, the Amyth Kouzina, pays homage to the rich tapestry of authentic Greek and Mediterranean flavors. With an emphasis on contemporary dining and stylish presentations, the menu offers a refined take on timeless classics. The philosophy of the kitchen aligns seamlessly with the ethos of the culture it represents, valuing the therapeutic benefits of sharing and enjoying good food. It is an ever-evolving culinary adventure, with the menu frequently changing to reflect the seasonal offerings and the creative spirit of the kitchen.

When it's time to nourish the soul, Amyth's wellness program offers tailored spa treatments designed to harmonize your spirit and senses. Whether you prefer the serenity of a treatment room or a personalized session with visiting wellness experts, you'll find an array of options to rejuvenate your body and mind.

In essence, Amyth Hotel, Mykonos captures the spirit of the island — laid-back yet luxurious, tranquil yet tantalizing.

ALMYRA, Cyprus

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FORSTHOFGUT, Austria

At Forsthofgut, every detail is a testament to the beauty of sustainable architecture. The Schmuck family's commitment to eco-friendly materials and construction methods is evident throughout the hotel.

The integration of modern design with natural elements creates an atmosphere that is both sophisticated and inviting, making it a haven for relaxation and peace.

The waldSPA's design incorporates natural materials from the hotel's own forests, such as wood, stone, and glass, creating a serene ambiance. The panoramic windows in the spa area frame the stunning mountain views and the sprawling garden, inviting the outside in. For families, the waldSPA Family & Kids is a dream. The 800-square-meter addition includes a dedicated children's water world, offering wellness and fun for all ages.

Wood, as a primary element in Forsthofgut's interior design, brings a sense of harmony and warmth to the spaces. The tasteful furniture design, combining rustic charm with modern elegance, creates a cozy yet contemporary atmosphere. The use of wood in the architecture and furnishings not only reflects the hotel's commitment to sustainability but also enhances the feeling of being close to nature.

The ForsthofgutKÜCHE showcases a culinary journey that is as diverse as it is sustainable. The hotel’s dining options, including the delectable offerings of the Japanese restaurant Mizūmi, emphasize local and organic ingredients, offering a blend of traditional and modern flavors.

Our experience was marked by warmth and impeccable service from the moment we arrived. The rooms were spacious, showcasing a timeless modern design with a focus on high-quality woodwork and craftsmanship. The dining experience was varied, featuring excellent quality, and our reserved table added a personal touch. The staff's politeness and helpfulness stood out, and the dedicated playrooms for children, along with relaxing spaces for adults, made our stay both enjoyable and relaxing. The lobby, with its inviting nooks and stunning views, was a highlight of our stay.

Naturhotel Forsthofgut is a sanctuary that masterfully blends family, wellness, and nature. It is especially ideal for families seeking a winter escape into a world of beauty and serene luxury.

AMYTH, Mykonos

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AMANSARA, Cambodia