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The Hot List: Where To Holiday This Summer

Sleepy Italian villages turned high-society hotspots and London locales reimagined in old English estates, discover our hand-picked selection of this season’s chicest new summer destinations. From stand-out staycations to exclusive European establishments, these are the hottest hotels to be (and be seen at) this summer. 

Gundari

A luxury resort perched high above the Aegean sea, Gundari is defined by the 80 acres of untouched nature that surround it. The epitome of raw refined luxury, Athens design studio, Block722, put the Folegandros island at the heart of Gundari when designing the 27 living spaces that encompass it.

Fashioned from materials that seamlessly slip into the minimalist landscape, stone walls and rock faces become dreamy subterranean suites set so seamlessly into the cliff edge, it almost begs the question of what existed first. 

If you can pry yourself away from the breathtaking seascapes and the meticulously designed amenities of Gundari’s living quarters, you will be treated to an immersive sensory experience with Michelin-starred chef Lefteris Lazarou’s exquisite menu which showcases refined Greek cuisine drawn from both land and sea.

With even the smallest details designed to reflect the island’s heritage, whether you choose to spend your days exploring hidden coves, indulging in the decadent culinary offerings or simply lounging in your private suite, Gundari offers a sanctuary where nature and luxury exist in perfect harmony.

Estelle Manor

Cool kid on the country hotel block, Estelle Manor is the outpost of Mayfair’s iconic Maison Estelle. Characteristic of out-of-the-box hotelier, Sharan Pasricha, the Manor is no traditional English staycation and is all the best for it. A well-orchestrated blend of opulence and bohemian flair, the Grade-II listed landmark house was designed, much like its London sister establishment, to be a new school establishment with old school values.

Set amongst a sprawling Oxfordshire estate, the design ethos of the manor takes a page from Maison Estelle’s unexpected and eclectic book displayed in the seamless contrast of grandiose Manor House suites with the whimsical interiors of the Woodland Cottages. The contrary yet considered aesthetic is credit to design studio, Roman and Williams, alongside Pasricha’s artistic director wife, Eiesha Bharti. 

Opened just last summer, the second season of the Manor sees its already coveted amenities complimented by the opening of the eagerly-anticipated Eynsham Baths. On the west-side of the Manor House, the Roman-inspired marble tepidarium hall sets the scene for a plethora of traditional treatments, centering breathwork pools and ceremony suites, and ultra-relaxing thermal baths. Combined with a decadent array of dining options and a dreamy parasol-lined pool, it undoubtedly tops our summer staycation list.

La Roqqa

La Roqqa is the epitome of Tuscan tranquility. Discreetly located on a quiet bay in Porto Ercole, along a lesser known stretch of the idyllic coastline, it holds a defining air of exclusivity characterised by considered design, an IYKYK beach club and an impossibly chic rooftop.

The up-and-coming hotspot is the debut hotel from Sweden’s Jonsson family, in partnership with Milan interior studio, Palomba Serafini. Together they dreamt and brought to life the trademark aesthetic of this destination hotel, set amongst otherwise traditional (some might say sleepy) surrounds. Eloquently described as intelligent minimalism with Italian flair, inside you will find a reflection of the nature it is encompassed by, with reds, blues and greens accenting clean lines and natural features.

Strolling the grounds will have you end up at Scirocco, the rooftop restaurant and life of La Roqqa. Curated by chef Francesco Ferretti, its mouthwatering seafood-centric menu is complimented by hand-selected local produce and dare we say, is enough to coax frequenters of the legendary Il Pellicanno to new territory.

Grand Hotel Son Net

Just 15 minutes from the lively shores of Palma, you will find the Mediterranean oasis that is Grand Hotel Son Net. Set in a Mallorcan manor dating back to the 17th century, the estate retains the classic elegance of the era with its original courtyard, spring-fed well, and private chapel setting the stage for a peaceful escape from the vibrant city.

The interiors of the suites and cottages have been individually restored by the renowned designer Lorenzo Castillo. With a keen eye for detail, each space maintains a harmonious blend of historical allure and contemporary luxury with rustic beams, stone floors and antique fireplaces while offering modern comforts. 

From room to dining, decadence is plated with chef Sergi Olmedo’s authentic Mallorcan haute cuisine crafted from only the finest locally-sourced ingredients. After a leisurely lunch savouring Olmedo’s considered culinary offerings, meander down to the serene spa for a day of indulgence and relaxation. At Grand Hotel Son Net, every moment is an opportunity to immerse yourself in the timeless beauty and tranquility  of Mallorca.

Words by Talitha Ward