During my trip to Guatemala, I worked with Terra Guatemala, a French-speaking travel agency specialized in tailor-made journeys throughout Guatemala. The agency also offers trips across other Central American destinations, but their real expertise lies here: providing a seamless, personalized and high-end travel experience.

There is only one place in the Netherlands where you can wake up, step onto your balcony with a fresh cup of coffee, and watch giraffes gracefully wander across the savannah while rhinos roam in the distance. At Safari Hotel Beekse Bergen, this extraordinary experience becomes part of everyday life.

Combining the comfort of a luxury hotel with the excitement of an African safari, the hotel offers a unique escape where wildlife, relaxation, and hospitality come together. From unforgettable animal encounters to great dining and family-friendly facilities, a stay here feels like a journey far beyond the borders of the Netherlands.

If you and your person need a reset — not a vacation, an actual reset — Zürich’s Seefeld neighborhood and @almahotel_seefeld are the answer. Quiet streets, Lake Zürich two minutes away, a ladies-only wellness floor that made me feel human again, and a hotel that genuinely feels like someone thought about what you actually need. 

Some trips are about the adventure. This one was about actually stopping.

We didn’t have a packed itinerary at Alma. We had a sauna, a glass of wine, a book neither of us finished, and absolutely nowhere to be. Trevor didn’t complain once. That’s how you know a place is working. 

If you've been looking for a reason to finally book Costa Rica, this is it.  And you won't even need a rental car.

@tamarindodiria has been on this beach for over 30 years, and it shows in the best possible way. The kind of property that has grown into itself, with ancient banyan trees shading stone pathways, multiple pool areas each with their own personality, an outdoor spa that feels genuinely tucked away from the world. 🌴🐚🍃

The adults-only Tropicana section is where the new private pool suites live, and if you're going with your person, that's where you want to be. No kids, no noise, just your own pool and as much stillness as you can handle. 

What makes it rare is the location. You're directly on Playa Tamarindo, which is one of Costa Rica's most famous beaches, but also steps from every restaurant, bar, and shop in town.

You can choose to stay in for three days or walk out the gate and be in the middle of everything. Most people end up doing both. 

📍 @tamarindodiria | Tamarindo, Costa Rica

Some hotels are simply a place to sleep. @ananti.hotels is a 5 ⭐️experience.

From ocean-view saunas and world-class spas to stunning architecture and thoughtfully designed spaces, every corner feels intentionally crafted to elevate your stay. 🌊

The spacious rooms, breathtaking coastal views, and attention to detail make it the kind of place where you find yourself slowing down, soaking it all in, and never wanting to leave. 🤍

If you’re planning a trip to Busan, don’t just book a hotel—choose a destination that becomes part of the journey like @ananti.hotels

Set directly on the breathtaking shores of Sotavento Beach, @paradisusfuerteventura is a luxury all-inclusive resort that blends contemporary design, wellness experiences and effortless oceanfront living into one unforgettable escape.

What we loved most, however, was the atmosphere: the sound of the wind moving through the palm trees, the endless shades of turquoise stretching across the Atlantic and the peaceful mornings overlooking the ocean.

Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway, a wellness retreat or simply a place to disconnect from everyday life, this is the kind of destination that makes slowing down feel effortless.

A place where luxury isn’t about excess, it’s about space, calm and unforgettable views.

📍 Paradisus by Meliá Fuerteventura

     Costa Calma, Canary Islands

@paradisusbymelia

@paradisusfuerteventura

Founded in 1845 by Prince Carl of Solms-Braunfels, New Braunfels is one of Texas’ most storied cultural treasures. The prince led waves of German settlers to the banks of the Comal and Guadalupe Rivers, where they built a new community rooted in the comforts, customs, and craftsmanship of their homeland.

These early pioneers carried with them not only their language and traditions, but also their architectural style — still seen today in the historic buildings that line our downtown. Our house itself is woven into that heritage, named in honor of Princess Sophie, Prince Carl’s fiancée. From classic timberwork to limestone details and intimate courtyards, the town’s German influence remains beautifully preserved.

Through eras of growth, challenge, celebration, and change, New Braunfels has held tight to its identity — a place where heritage lives in the everyday. German festivals like Wurstfest and Weihnachtsmarkt flourish alongside beloved Texas traditions like tubing the rivers, dancing under string lights, and enjoying music beneath star-studded skies.

A community shaped by history — and still very much alive with it.

Artful Living
We curate spaces that feel collected over time—where heirlooms, contemporary art, and travel-worn treasures live comfortably together. Beauty here is felt, not staged.

Considered Details
Comfort is built into the experience. Subtle touches and a welcoming atmosphere create a natural sense of belonging—without formality or fuss.

Cultural Curiosity
We honor the stories that shaped this place while welcoming new perspectives. Our property encourages exploration, artistic dialogue, and meaningful connection.

Spirited Celebration
From casual poolside chats to long dinner conversations, our spaces are designed for connection, comfort, and memories that linger.

Storied Space
This home has seen many chapters. Restored with intention and respect for its roots, it continues to grow and change with care. We honor what came before while creating space for what’s next—writing the next chapter in this building’s remarkable story.

There are luxury hotels, and then there are places like @verdalawellnesshotel that leave you feeling different when you leave.

What struck me about Verdala was the cohesion of it all. The calming design, the warmth of the welcome, the beautiful rooms, the spa, the meditation classes, the views, the meals at Griffin Restaurant…

Every element felt considered and not in an extravagant way. But in an intentional one. Nothing seemed added simply to be impressive. Instead, every detail contributed to a feeling of ease, helping guests settle into a slower rhythm and fully experience what the hotel was created for.

I learnt that Verdala isn't simply a place to stay. It's a place to exhale.

Location: Malta
Content and Experience by @essencelivingco

Dreamy long sunny days and romantic nights

Menorca has a quieter rhythm than its Balearic neighbors. Morvedra Nou captures that feeling perfectly.

Hidden among rolling countryside on the island's southwest coast, this restored country estate trades beach clubs and busy promenades for olive trees, dry-stone walls, and wide-open landscapes. The property dates back centuries, yet today it feels fresh and understated, offering a boutique experience that lets the island's natural beauty take the lead.

What makes Morvedra Nou special is its balance. You're surrounded by peaceful farmland, but some of Menorca's finest beaches are only a short drive away. Spend the morning exploring hidden coves, return for a long lunch beneath the trees, and finish the day watching the sunset with a glass of local wine.

It's the kind of hotel that encourages you to slow down without ever feeling isolated.

@morvedranoumenorca

📷 @alexrowleyphotography

There are spa hotels, and then there are places that seem to exist in their own world.

Das Kranzbach sits on a secluded plateau above the village of Krün, surrounded by forests, mountain meadows, and some of Bavaria's most dramatic scenery. The first glimpse is unforgettable. A historic English-style castle rises from the landscape, backed by Alpine peaks that change color throughout the day. It feels less like arriving at a hotel and more like discovering a private estate hidden in the mountains.

What keeps guests returning, however, goes beyond the setting. Das Kranzbach has built a reputation as one of Germany's leading wellness retreats, combining an extensive spa, exceptional dining, and an atmosphere that encourages guests to slow down. The result is a stay that feels restorative from the moment you arrive.

For travelers seeking peace, nature, and a genuine escape from everyday life, few addresses in southern Germany are more compelling.

Vienna, but make it effortlessly cool @maxbrownhotels

Tucked away in the creative heart of the 7th district, Max Brown Hotel 7th District blends laid-back design with a vibrant, urban vibe that instantly pulls you in. Think curated interiors, cozy corners, and a neighborhood that feels like the real Vienna – artistic, edgy, and full of character.

From slow mornings to exploring hidden cafés, concept stores and street art just around the corner – this is where city trips feel personal, not touristic.

A place where locals and travelers naturally mix, and where every detail feels intentionally relaxed.

Staying at @westin_seoul_parnas and suddenly Seoul feels a little softer ✨

Nestled in the heart of Gangnam and connected directly to COEX, this stay was the perfect mix of luxury, comfort, and calm after long days exploring the city. From skyline views and cozy mornings to late nights surrounded by Seoul’s lights, every moment here felt effortless. 🇰🇷

One of those hotels that instantly becomes part of the trip itself, not just where you sleep.

Where history meets heartfelt hospitality 🤍

Tucked away just outside the city, Romantik Spa Hotel @elixhauserwirt  is more than a place to stay,  it’s a living legacy. Family-owned since 1334 and now run by the 23rd generation, this 4-star superior hideaway blends centuries of tradition with modern comfort in the most effortless way.

Awarded multiple times and recognized by leading guides such as Michelin Guide and Falstaff, the culinary experience here is nothing short of exceptional. Regional flavors are elevated with precision and creativity,  a true destination for food lovers.

Complemented by a serene spa with panoramic mountain views, this is a place designed for both indulgence and deep relaxation. Slow mornings, refined evenings, and a sense of calm that stays with you.

And yet, you’re only 14 minutes away from the heart of Salzburg - easily reached by complimentary bus to Mirabellplatz. Wander through the iconic old town, trace the footsteps of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart in this 270th  anniversary year, experience the magic of the Salzburg Festival, or take in the views from the historic Hohensalzburg Fortress.

Whether you’re here for culture or nature -  or a seamless blend of both -  this is where Salzburg reveals its most beautiful contrasts.

Some mountain resorts excel at skiing. Others focus on wellness. DAS EDELWEISS manages to do both without feeling like it's trying to be everything to everyone.

Set in the village of Grossarl, about an hour south of Salzburg, the resort has grown from a family-run guesthouse into one of Austria's most talked-about alpine stays. Yet despite its scale, it still feels personal. You'll notice families gathering after dinner, hikers returning from the mountains, and couples heading toward the adults-only spa. Everyone seems to find their own version of the hotel.

The appeal is broad. In winter, guests can step directly from the ski room to the Panoramabahn gondola. In summer, hiking trails and alpine meadows begin practically outside the front door. Add one of the largest wellness areas in the Austrian Alps, and you have a resort that works year-round.

At Gdas Bali Health and Wellness Resort, wellness becomes a way of life. 

Home to The Bali Eden, the resort blends holistic healing, nourishing plant-based cuisine, and the lush serenity of Ubud into a retreat designed to restore mind, body, and spirit.

Tulum has no shortage of places promising jungle views, rooftop pools, and wellness experiences. What makes Copal Tulum stand out is how comfortably it balances all three without feeling overly curated. Hidden among the greenery of Aldea Zamá, one of Tulum's most established residential neighborhoods, the hotel offers the atmosphere of a secluded retreat while keeping you within easy reach of both the beach and downtown.

This is the kind of property that appeals to travelers who want more space than a standard hotel room. Many of the accommodations feel more like modern apartments than traditional guest rooms, complete with kitchens, living areas, and private pools in select categories.

Families, groups of friends, and longer-stay guests tend to appreciate that flexibility.

The setting helps too. Wooden walkways weave through thick tropical vegetation, and much of the property feels intentionally connected to the surrounding jungle rather than separated from it. The result is a stay that feels distinctly Tulum without trying too hard.

Far more than a luxury mountain resort, Six Senses Crans-Montana is a contemporary alpine retreat where wellbeing, sustainability, and self-discovery come together in a deeply immersive experience. Nestled in the heart of the Swiss Alps, the property invites guests to slow down, reconnect, and embrace a more mindful way of traveling.

Here, a mountain escape becomes a journey of meaning. Every detail has been carefully designed to nurture the soul, stimulate the mind, and revitalize the body. The goal is not simply to provide an exceptional stay, but to create lasting emotions and memorable experiences.

The philosophy is simple: to feel at home—only better.

Staying at Hôtel Le Dahu means discovering a very human and authentic version of mountain hospitality, where luxury is not defined by distance, but by the quality of the relationship.

A deeply rooted family story. The hotel is truly a family home. Founded in 1955 by the grandparents of the current management, it has been passed down from generation to generation, until Sophie took over after her studies at the Lausanne Hotel School.
This family continuity is immediately محسوس: this is not an impersonal establishment, but a living home, shaped by a strong history and identity.

Staying at Abezza means discovering a completely different side of Belize — quieter, deeper inland, and almost outside of time itself. Located on the mainland, the resort offers an experience far removed from the islands, with full immersion in nature and absolute calm.

Arrive in paradise. And honestly… the name could not be more fitting.

Set on more than 300,000 square meters of pure alpine beauty @puradies_leogang is an extraordinary hideaway in Leogang surrounded by one of the most breathtaking mountain panoramas in the Salzburger Land. Whether from the stunning Heaven Spa, the beautifully designed garden, many of the rooms or the peaceful relaxation areas, the views are simply everywhere and absolutely unforgettable.

What makes PURADIES so special is the way luxury, nature and warmth blend together so effortlessly. Couples, solo travelers and families all feel equally welcome here, which is probably one of the reasons why so many guests return again and again.

The brand-new Heaven Spa is a true masterpiece. Luxurious pools, incredible sauna areas, panoramic relaxation rooms and a calming atmosphere designed to make you completely switch off. And the kids’ spa? Honestly one of the most impressive family wellness concepts I have seen — playful, stylish and incredibly high-end at the same time.

Outside, there is so much to explore: a huge playground, a lovingly designed petting zoo, the family’s own organic farm and endless opportunities for hiking, biking and enjoying nature right from the hotel doorstep. And not to forget the beautiful chalets fitting into the hotel`s concept and wonderfu to look at or live in. 

The interiors throughout the property feel beautifully curated and hand-selected, combining modern alpine luxury with warmth and authenticity. And then there are the Madreiter brothers themselves, who are constantly present throughout the hotel, always ready with recommendations, a funny comment and genuine hospitality that makes guests feel truly cared for.

Combined with outstanding service and truly exceptional cuisine,  from the enormous breakfast selection to light lunch, afternoon cakes and snacks and a fantastic five-course dinner in the evening , this place creates the kind of experience people never forget. ✨