A Place to Stay
With some favorite stories already posted here - I now want to offer recommendations, of our favorite 20 places we’ve stayed on our travels. These places have provided some of our most memorable experiences of our lives.
So often in travel - a place to stay - may be nothing more than a place lay your head… a home base for exploration and adventures in the place you’ve arrived… Other times, the place you find to stay enhances so much it IS the experience. This story, is about those…
I often try to find places that embody a place, that are a good value or worth the splurge - often with modern minimalism, beautiful light and grounds, with good essential outdoor spaces, rather than stuffy elegance. If you like this aesthetic as well, you might like these recommendations.
This is the motivation behind this story - to share the places we’ve loved in hopes you can experience some of them too. All of the places listed below are currently operating so I hope you’ll find this list helpful and inspiring for your own travels!
Some of these properties have backstories and some do not - either way here they are. I will elaborate on some and provide links for all below.
Our Top Twenty:
No. 20 - Parrot Cay - Abacos - Bahamas
No. 19 - Sooke Harbor House - Vancouver Island - British Columbia - Canada
No. 18 - Snowmass Club & Telluride - Colorado
No. 17 - California Trio - La Playa Hotel - Carmel; Indian Springs Hotel - Calistoga - Napa Valley; - La Quinta Palm Springs
No. 16 - Andaz Papagayo - Costa Rica
No. 15 - Octavia Casa - Mexico City - Mexico
No. 14 - Willka Tika - Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu - combined with Villa Barranco - Lima - Peru
No. 13 - Cheval - 3 Quays - London - England
No. 12 - Six Senses - Duoro Valley - Portugal
No. 11 - Le Bora Bora by Pearl Resorts - Bora Bora - French Polynesia
No. 10 - Moracea by Khao Lak - North of Phuket - Thailand
No. 9 - Auberge Sussaros Del Corazon - Punta Mita - Mexico
No. 8 - The Dylan - Amsterdam - The Netherlands
No. 7 - Covo de Serecini - Positano - Italy
No. 6 - Villa Vita Parc - Porches - Algarve - Portugal
No. 5 - Ikos, Porto Petro - Mallorca - Spain
No. 4 - The Hoxton Hotel - Paris
No. 3 - Elua Village - Wailea - Maui
No. 2 - The Colegio Charm House - Tavira - Portugal
No. 1 - Astad Vingard - Sweden
No. 20 - PARROT CAY - ABACOS - BAHAMAS
Alas. I begin with this special place not because it is last… but because it is the only one on this list that does not exist in its same form any longer. If not for that sad fact, it would be high on this list. But there is hope, so I happily include it for that reason!
This, is Parrot Cay in the Abacos, Bahamas.
It is a little five acre island that was purchased from the Queen of England by the late Dave Gale and his bride Phoebe in the 1950’s, on an extended honeymoon that turned into his entire life. They made their lives there for more than six decades. Eventually they built a beautiful home for themselves “The Open House” - So he turned his original cottage “snore box” into a gorgeous little rental with a similar one on the opposite side of the island. Rental of both cottages comes with the personal use of a local Albury motor boat to explore the Abacos independently. It is an incredibly special “off the grid” vacation for travelers who love to live life on the water, love to snorkel or dive, explore the nearby towns and beaches, buy fish from local fisherman... It’s a place that allows for the chance to immerse into the life just as the locals do.
My Dad was an avid sailor and scuba diver, and he met Dave while diving there in the 1970s, and he brought us there in 1980 and I have been on several occasions since, throughout my life, with Peter, and with my kids and extended family too.
Dave and Phoebe raised their two sons on the island and eventually his grandson there, who is now about 24. Though it had withstood dozens of hurricanes before, on September 1, 2019 - only a month after his grandson moved to college, the island was hit by savage Hurricane Dorian, and it was leveled. The Gales were able to safely evacuate and lived a while longer, but the island is still recovering. Happily, Dave’s son Jeff and his wife Jenny are still there, still running the boat rental business and slowly rebuilding. The main guest cottage that sleeps two is even now reopened for visitors! To sample this amazing life reach out to Jeff and Jenny on this link below and tell them Brenda says hello.
https://www.islandmarine.com/accommodations
For more about their homes see my story in “Other Portfolios” here:
https://www.wanderlush.life/bahamian-island-home
No. 19 - SOOKE HARBOR HOUSE - VANCOUVER ISLAND
We discovered this remote Inn west of Victoria when we were living on Bainbridge Island in the 1990s. Lovingly owned by Francesca and Sinclair Phillips since 1979, I have such fond memories of it as it was known at the time as one of Canada’s most iconic, soulful inns. Located 40k west of Victoria on Vancouver island, it is arguably one of the most magical coastal locations in Canada. At the time it was just a beautiful old house with extensive gardens and a beautiful restaurant that earned a strong reputation for its culinary excellence. “In 2000, a writer for The New York Times called Sooke Harbour House "one of Canada's half-dozen best restaurants" We loved the rooms with private hot tubs facing the sound. It’s been a long time since we’ve been but I see on their website they have new owners, and have expanded. I hope it is just as spectacular as it once was. I imagine it might be a reinterpretation rather than a resurrection.
From its current website:
“Guests enjoy stunning views of the Juan de Fuca Straight, Whiffin Spit Trail, and Olympic mountain range in the distance. Of our 30 spacious and refined guestrooms, 28 feature ocean views, and each maintains an original design and character. Expect wood-burning fireplaces, contemporary furnishings, and plush details that set a relaxed and inviting atmosphere.”
All Photos below are from their website listed above:
No. 18 - SNOWMASS CLUB & TELLURIDE
The state of Colorado feels like my neighborhood - and we’ve criss crossed the state a jillion times. But the two places we’d return again and again on our own was Snowmass and Telluride. The Snowmass Club sits in a wide valley surrounded by the majestic Maroon Bells and more outside of Aspen. It gives you the sense you are in a cradle, with immediate access to spectacular world class skiing biking and hiking. The condominium complex is surrounded by a golf course with rolling lawns gardens and gorgeous views out your door. Additionally, a stay gives access to the most beautiful extensive health club with outdoor pools and restaurants. It’s an incredible value and we always felt so at home at The Snowmass Club. The town is complete with a local Rodeo facility nearby, and it is incredible to stay there and have such easy access to the whole Aspen Valley along Highway 82. There is always so much going on in the valley with so many festivals and incredibly worthy places to visit. We made a habit of visiting twice a year when our kids were little.
Here however, I’ll risk saying something controversial in Colorado… One of the reasons we love this area is because you’re half way to Telluride from Denver! It’s fantastic to stop here for a bit then keep going! We always thought of Telluride as the gem of Colorado. Its beauty is unsurpassed in Colorado. A free and dramatically beautiful public gondola serves as the local mode of transportation. It takes locals, visitors, dogs, and bikes from the old mining town in the valley - up and over San Sophia Station high up the mountain - and down a bit into Mountain Village which is a newer extension of town. When our kids were a little older and worthy of the longer ride in the car, we started going to Telluride. It is always worth the drive… but whenever we went, we bounced around staying between town and mountain village - finally landing for one very special occasion (our 30th anniversary) in a beautiful house practically alone just down from the San Sophia Gondola Station, where we invited friends and family to join us. We relished its pure beauty and privacy that put us all alone on the mountain yet completely accessible to either town or the village by a short walk to the Gondola. Once you’ve arrived in Telluride - you park your car for good, as the entire valley is accessible by feet bikes and gondolas… There is simply no better way to get around and we loved taking bikes dogs picnics and friends for the most exotic and satisfying experience in my home state.
https://www.snowmassclub.com
https://invitedhome.com/vacation-rental/usa/co/telluride/mountain-village/cabin-on-the-ridge
Pictured first - Snowmass Club - All photos from their current website:
Telluride - Invitedhome.com - Cabin on the Ridge - from their current website:
My images of our Telluride stay at The Cabin on the Ridge and scenery around Telluride:
No. 17 - CALIFORNIA TRIO
California holds a special place for me. My very first trip of my life at age 5 was to California with my parents - who absolutely love the state. (I do still remember that trip, vaguely!) They met while living in Redondo & Manhattan Beach, and got married in Palos Verdes in 1962 - and Santa Barbara remains my Dad’s very favorite place to return. In fact he is taking mom there for her 89th birthday this year!
This is cheating - but here are my favorite three places we have stayed and returned a few times over:
Palm Springs area: https://www.laquintaresort.com
Carmel: https://www.laplayahotel.com
Calistoga in the Napa Valley: https://www.indianspringscalistoga.com
LA QUINTA RESORT & CLUB
“A large desert resort and iconic Californian hideaway, set at the foot of the Santa Rosa Mountains in the Coachella Valley - in the Palm Springs area. A resort with a mix of casitas, suites, and villas, many with private patios, mountain views, and outdoor living space. A destination resort experience that’s been refined over generations while still maintaining the feel of a desert oasis.” This is an absolutely beautiful property and grounds with beautiful Mission style restaurants and patios. We have loved making the easy trip from Colorado at the end of the winter for a little fix of sunshine and flowers.
LA PLAYA HOTEL - CARMEL
Beautiful small 75-room hotel, originally built in 1905, extensively refreshed in 2023 with a heated pool and gorgeous gardens - it is a place that feels both timeless and comfortable. The rooms are beautiful and cozy and the windows open to perfume like air and the sound of the ocean which is very close. My favorite season to visit is May when the flowers are at their spring glory. My favorite thing to do is to just walk the beach and to see the spectacular homes and landscapes adjacent to the beach. The first four images are of the hotel - the rest are some examples of some favorites.
https://www.laplayahotel.com
INDIAN SPRINGS INN - CALISTOGA -
Calistoga is my favorite area of the Napa Valley - and this special little old hotel is like going back in time. One of the oldest continuously operating spa resorts in California (dating to 1861) - It has cottages sprinkled around the beautiful flat sunny property, and the natural thermal pool is in it original 1913 form honoring its past and giving the entire experience a wonderful relaxed 1950s relaxed vibe. Indian Springs Inn is known for its geothermal mineral springs and volcanic ash mud baths. It’s a property that has drawn people for healing for over 150 years. As the website says: “Offering far more than the average dip, our two restorative pools are the heart and soul of Indian Springs Calistoga. Since the 19th century, guests have come to our resort to experience the therapeutic and healing properties of our natural thermal pool.”
No. 16 - ANDAZ PAPAGAYO - COSTA RICA
One of the best trips we ever took as a “house family” - The Andaz was a perfect place to base for exploring. Watching and listening to the howler monkeys in the trees above our room was such a fun bonus. “A tropical hillside sanctuary grafted into jungle and bay — biodiverse forest on one side, shimmering Pacific waters on the other….A relaxed yet sophisticated vibe - not ultra‑formal luxury, but elevated comfort with Costa Rican warmth and “pura vida” spirit.”
https://www.hyatt.com/andaz/en-US/liraz-andaz-peninsula-papagayo-resort-costa-rica
No 15 - OCTAVIA CASA - MEXICO CITY
Minimalist urban sanctuary within a vibrant quarter - this tiny little hotel was an incredible find. Octavia Casa is a 7-rooms hotel designed for calm, minimal, and refined urban stays. Tucked into the lively and leafy La Condesa neighborhood of Mexico City - one of the city’s most beloved areas for culture, food, cafés, and strolling. It is a a calm refuge in an energetic city - I highly recommend it!
No. 14 - WILLKA T’IKA - SACRED VALLEY - combined with - VILLA BARRANCO - LIMA - PERU
I posted an extensive story about special Willka T’ika late last year here: https://www.wanderlush.life/stories/mystical-peru-with-familiar-souls
It is a fantastic relaxing place to base to explore the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu. It is tricky to figure out how to travel to Cusco to reach the valley in one day. I recommend slowing down, and visiting Lima before and/or after. When we did this, we zeroed in on a beautiful coastal district of Lima called Barranco - and this hotel is a magical spot perfectly located along a coastal foot path, just a short walk to Miraflores, another popular Lima neighborhood. Americans will understand when I say that flying from Lima to Cusco is much like going from LA to Utah - it is entirely different terrain and it is so fortunate to be able to experience both! Barranco, within Lima is much like Laguna Beach to LA - its own little Bohemian culture and aesthetic. It is very walkable and the shopping for Peruvian textiles is superb as are the many restaurants and Miraflores all accessible by walking from Villa Barranco.
No. 13 - CHEVAL - 3 QUAYS - LONDON - https://www.chevalcollection.com/cheval-three-quays/
These apartments are not inexpensive, but given the location, view and extra room an apartment affords, we think they are really good find and value - especially because they are good about adding rollaways for extra capacity. They are located in East London directly on the River Thames, right next door to the Tower of London. The view of the river, bridge and The Shard, and even the Eye is such a fortunate place to be situated for an explore of London. It is just south of the Finance district, Bank of London, Sky Garden, Leadenhall Market and lots of pubs. Just across the bridge, Borough Market is within walking distance. It is also close to a tube station for access into central London a little bit west.
No. 12 - SIX SENSES - DUORO VALLEY - PORTUGAL
This absolutely gorgeous property is “A luxury resort and spa set in a beautifully restored 19th‑century manor house perched above the terraced vineyards of the UNESCO‑listed Douro Valley, with sweeping views of the Douro River below.” It would be higher on this list if it weren’t for the fact that we visited at an unusual time. We were there early in the season, in March, during an unusual but occasional Saharan Dust Storm, that turned everything an eerie orange and produced these photos. It was quiet when we were there but the property is gigantic and incredibly lovely in all aspects including the gorgeous gardens, outdoor pool, and spectacular restaurants. The Duoro Valley is a famous wine region and we loved riding bikes and visiting neighboring properties and wineries.
https://www.sixsenses.com/en/hotels-resorts/europe/portugal/douro-valley/
No. 11 - Le BORA BORA PEARL BEACH - FRENCH POLYNESIA
I would list this much higher if it weren’t for the fact that we went there long ago. Y2K… But this is a four‑star resort on Motu Tevairoa that is very worth investigating as this precious gem of a place is literally like no other place I have ever been. A mountainous island - surrounded about 1 mile out with a tiny matus where many of the hotels, designed as huts over the water, exist in this gorgeous French Polynesian culture. In between these little out island and the main mountainous island is the most intensely gorgeous and pristine body of water I have ever seen. “The Lagoon” is shallow, calm, warm, and clear. The resort offers direct lagoon access and idyllic views of Mount Otemanu on the main island. We could jump off of our cottage deck right into it and swim for miles with the happy sea life that lives there. Water taxis transport guests to and from the main island. It is a gorgeous natural playground. I struggle to find my own photographs of our special trip there - photography was in the midst of the big transition between film and digital about then, so this trip was lost in that shuffle a bit. I must go back to correct this problem… but here are a few - most of which comes from the hotel website!
No. 10 - MORACEA BY KHAO LAK - NORTH OF PHUKET - THAILAND
https://www.moraceakhaolakresort.com
One year right before our kids were grown - (Derek had just gone off to college) - we took our biggest trip of all, over the Christmas holiday when they had time off school - to see two sets of friends. The first in Hong Kong, and the second in Perth. In between, right over Christmas when we wanted to leave our friends free, we had “time to kill” somewhere in Southeast Asia… what a fortuitous problem! - where to choose??! Our boys both landed on Thailand, so we zeroed in, thanks to Evan, on the Morecea Resort by Khao Lak - on the northern Andaman Coast, as a place to base to explore the area. It was a fantastic find. What could be better than Thai food for breakfast lunch and dinner from an amazing menu of options?! Peter and I upgraded to this lovely private room for our Christmas holiday and on that day we got to visit Phang Nag Elephant Sanctuary. Another day we dove in the Andaman sea, and another we visited the lovely and fascinating Phang Nga Bay with the most beautiful and memorable local private tour guide, named Oil. Getting to know her was the best part of the day. It was one of the most special stays of our whole life.
https://phangngaelephantpark.com
No. 9 AUBERGE - SUSURROS DEL CORAZON - PUNTA MITA, MEXICO
We have been to Mexico before but never to a property with such stunningly designed and detailed architecture. It was more expensive that most places we stay but for a special occasion it was worthy for the incredibly special rooms, bathrooms and the most attentive service we’ve ever received at a hotel. The restaurants were also incredible both for their stunning design and simple yet elegant food. This property is absolutely beautiful and peaceful.
NO. 8 - THE DYLAN - AMSTERDAM
This is a beautiful quintessential Amsterdam hotel perfectly located in the canal district. We absolutely loved our stay there. We discovered it in 2008 so I don’t have many photos - so most of these are from their current website. “The Dylan is about restraint, intimacy, and quiet urban sophistication - stillness in the middle of the city. Michelin-starred Restaurant Vinkeles is quietly one of the more refined dining experiences in the city. The Dylan is a study in understatement - it appeals to travelers who aren’t in search of a spectacle.” We also discovered The Pulitzer in 2018 and it is similar and beautiful as well. Amsterdam remains one of my favorite cities I have ever visited.
https://www.dylanamsterdam.com
NO. 7 - COVO DEI SARACENI - POSITANO - ITALY
Positano, on the Amalfi Coast in southern Italy is a place that has to be seen to be believed. A labyrinth of homes hotels stores, and in fact entire towns, built in the sides of hilly cliffs above the Mediterranean Sea. When we visited in 2010 we spent an entire day in our own little boat hugging the shoreline, visiting caves and seaside cafes and studying the incredible architecture clinging to the cliffs. The next day we hiked the famous “Pathway of the Gods” for the opposite perspective above the town through olive and lemon groves and seeing the beautiful sea below. For it all we stayed at Covo Dei Seraceni, only accessible by footpath, the last property of all, all the way down to the sea. Less expensive than the famous Le Sirenuse nearby, it is a spectacular place to base to explore this stunning area. “The aesthetic isn’t ultra‑modern luxury — it’s more timeless Mediterranean glamour with classic touches and local character. It’s a vivid anchor for Amalfi Coast memory — like stepping into a postcard. But unlike some more secluded stays, it embraces the bustle of Positano and invites you into it, rather than offering retreat from it.”
NO. 6 VILLA VITA PARC - PORCHES - PORTUGAL
“ A Mediterranean‑inspired seaside sanctuary where luxury is expressed through space, service, scents of the ocean, and a rhythm that feels both relaxed and alive.” This resort, along the gorgeous southern coast of Portugal in the Algarve is very similar to the Auberge and absolutely gorgeous as well. Expansive grounds with rolling lawns on the slope down toward their own small private beach with spectacular gardens and Michelin recognized restaurants. Access to its own beach and amazing walks and hikes in the area. The colors in this Algarve region are stunningly beautiful.
NO. 5 - IKOS - PORTO PETRO - MALLORCA - SPAIN
Mallorca is a place I could return again and again. It is a big mountainous island and is a popular place for road biking and we can’t wait to go back for this. When we visited we just had about four nights to explore and this Ikos Resort is absolutely stunning and peaceful. This is a five‑star all‑inclusive resort located on the southeast coast of Mallorca. One of the best things about it, is they have a whole fleet of electric vehicles for check out for the day. We booked so late that we couldn’t reserve one so we were happy with the bikes also there for check out as there are two towns very accessible by bike. One - Cala D’Or is Grecian like - with white architecture, bougainvillea everywhere and gorgeous clear beaches for swimming. The other town accessible to us, Santanyi, is old world Spain with the sandy colored architecture and both are stunningly beautiful. The images of the bikes below, perfectly illustrate the dramatic difference. However, the best surprise of our trip came when the amazing generous and kind service yielded us a car for our last day. We didn’t even request it - they just made it happen! This day made our whole understanding of Mallorca come to life as we were able to drive to the northern tip to see the mountainous regions, including the highlight of the whole trip seeing Magnificent Cala Figuera and the astonishing dramatic views from there - and also the biking and boating communities, and many beautiful and fascinating caves. I cannot wait to go back - and when I do I hope to be able to return to Ikos Porto Petro. A modern Mediterranean refuge where effortless luxury, Michelin‑level cuisine, and everyday ease are all - unmistakably Mallorca.
NO. 4 - THE HOXTON HOTEL - PARIS
There is something about a perfect city hotel. Being in a city means to be within access of an unlimited amount of things to explore. But it also means being in the midst of urban chaos. So when a city hotel feels like a protective and beautiful oasis, it provides a bounty while still being safe and peaceful. This is precisely why The Hoxton Hotel in Paris is so high on my list. This Hoxton is a lively, design-forward hotel that blends historic architecture with a modern, social atmosphere. Derek introduced us to this hotel in 2019 when he was studying on an exchange program for a semester at Science Po. Known as much for its buzzing public spaces as its rooms - this is not a retreat. It’s a place where energy is part of the offering It has an utterly gorgeous center atrium with a giant skylight that keeps it all bathed in natural light no matter the season or weather. Another thing I love about the London-based Hoxton brand, is how relaxed and welcoming they are. Therefore professionals and locals come with their laptops and their friends and colleagues and hunker in - which makes for a vibrant casual and welcoming environment that makes me want to hunker in, too. Light-filled courtyards with people working, meeting, lingering providing a sense of being inside a living Parisian scene. They sell rooms by the size, and I love that just being upfront about a room being “A shoebox” (literally its name) it acknowledges to guests that the rooms are small but it offers people with a more modest budget the chance to stay in a beautiful hotel in a wonderful location and enjoy the gorgeous restaurants and public spaces. It also sells “Biggy” rooms for “Starfish Sleepers” So, the option is yours.
No. 3 - ELUA VILLAGE - WAILEA - MAUI
In no other place I have ever stayed, have I felt a greater sense of being at Home than at Elua Village in Wailea, Maui. I feel incredibly at ease and at home here… in our home country, with the beautiful and rich Polynesian culture, the nearly constantly gentle and predictable weather, the beautiful walking path, even the time zone which going west provides… I have always said that this destination is vacation jackpot, and it still remains true for me today.
We discovered Elua Village when I was pregnant with Derek in 1997, renting the last available unit one Christmas. We returned when he was 2, and on many occasions since when the kids were growing up. We learned tricks to finding a unit well located with a private lanai but wasn’t necessarily “updated.” This way we would find a better value. There is always fresh fish available so we would make a habit of loading up at Costco right by the airport, and we loved eating most meals on our private lanai. We would go out for special meals here and there at the resorts that dot the shoreline in either direction - which are just a walk away on the oceanside footpath where we’d run each morning. There is so much to explore on the wild north shore of Maui and upcountry - but also the layout of the property makes for entire content days staying put on the perfectly sized Elua Beach and adjacent pool. This for me, is paradise, found.
https://www.coraltreeresidencecollection.com/wailea-elua-village/
No. 2 - COLEGIO CHARM HOUSE - TAVIRA - PORTUGAL
Okay. This hotel has the most beautiful and special aesthetic beauty, of any hotel I have ever visited. Absolutely every detail this hotel is filled with art and whimsy and care. The overall feeling is one of thoughtful hosting and calm, curated interiors. Tavira, in southern Portugal, just 30 minutes from the Faro airport in the Algarve is a walkable and gorgeous little Portuguese town - and it is the home that my beloved cousin Jeff and husband Alan have chosen during this special time of their lives. The Colegio Charm house sits up on a hill just across the street from the heart of town so it is quiet, but within easy reach of everything the town offers by walking. They serve the most beautiful breakfast on the patio to all guests, and again, the attention to detail is so beautiful. They also serve an incredibly special dinner and it will be one of the best experiences of any trip, to partake in this special meal. Every room here has a different decor theme and we chose a room off the front near the pool because of its peaceful white decor and perfect size for us. Evan and Olivia stayed in the back last year, in a room that has its own plunge pool.
No. 1 - ASTAD VINGARD - SWEDEN
This property is a nordic vineyard, sanctuary and spa. “Ästad Vingård is a hotel in one of Sweden's largest vineyards, located in the beautiful Åkulla beech forests nature reserve. Here we grow organic grapes and produce our own wines. We also have the Michelin-starred Restaurang ÄNG, a nature-inspired spa, hotel rooms, and conference facilities. It’s a spa‑centric, hospitality‑driven estate that combines Swedish wine, food, wellness, and countryside tranquillity into one immersive experience.”
We discovered Astad Vingard in 2024 on our last trip to purchase a Volvo. (This is a whole story too, planned for another time) - but the summary is, we picked up our car and needed to drive it enough that it could be safely shipped with less than a third of a tank of gas. So, we asked our Swedish representative at Volvo what she’d recommend, and she led us to this beautiful property for one overnight. I cannot wait, to return.
I have chosen this property in southwestern Sweden as our very favorite hotel we have ever visited - in good measure because of the astonishing quality of the experience in total for the incredibly fair price. This is an expansive and beautiful property with a rich family history in Swedish vineyards that includes two beautiful large restaurants featuring local produce and a farm‑to‑table ethos. One is beautiful old world Sweden style - called Logen, and the other is a Michelin starred, gorgeous modern Scandinavian designed, nearly all glass structure, in a meadow overlooking the vineyards, called Ang. Many of the rooms exist on a natural pool with your own deck to enjoy a plunge and an outdoor shower. Other rooms, like the “standard” one we stayed in, features a personal sauna and gorgeous modern scandinavian designed decor. In addition to the restaurants and the accommodations, the property features an extensive “Spa” (that includes a lovely wine bar…) It is a hydrotherapy and sauna experience that allows guests to proceed through a circuit of indoor and outdoor water features at their own pace exploring all themed saunas and indoor and outdoor natural and man made pools. Throughout the property is a combination of Hansel and Gretl and sleek modern Scandinavian design.
The website says of Sinnenas Spa: “Welcome to a place where intense experiences meets peaceful calmness. At Sinnenas Spa (Spa of the Senses) you explore your own personal relaxation through your senses, and our beautiful surroundings in the heart of twelve natural reserves.”
The astonishing thing, is that it is possible to get an overnight in the colder months, at this lovely hotel in a gorgeous “standard” room, with a spectacular early 4-course dinner at Logan - (I cannot imagine Ang being any better but perhaps I’ll have to try it sometime…) - then a leisurely evening spa experience - and breakfast at Logen the next morning, all for about $410 US Dollars. 😳 Yes, that is lovely room, a spectacular
4-course dinner, an extensive spa experience with wine in the evening, and breakfast - for $410.
If you’d rather plan ahead and travel in a peak season and experience Ang, the overnight packages are more than this - in some cases triple, but I imagine that experience would be worth the cost as well. For an experience of 2-3 nights they offer guided winemaking tours and hiking tours as well. I cannot wait, to go back!
Additionally, I just learned while writing this story, is that as of January 2025, they acquired a “sister property” at the beach, about a 30 drive from the vineyard property.
“Ästad Vingård, a vineyard and spa in Sweden's Åkulla beech forests, offers an "Ocean & Lake" package that includes a stay at their partner property, Varbergs Kusthotell. Located on the coast in Varberg, this hotel provides easy access to the sea and a scenic promenade, complementing Ästad’s rural spa experience.”
“As of January 1st, 2025, Varbergs Kusthotell is operated by Ästad Vingård. Two sister hotels – one in the forest, one by the sea – united by the same high standards and shared vision. Ahead lies an ambitious development journey to create Sweden’s finest spa experience. From your first dip to the final course on the menu. Come join us on the journey!” That is an invitation I’d love to accept someday! ✨
Wishing everyone in my orbit and beyond safe and happy travels ! ✨
Brenda Lush