Le Galinier de Lourmarin, a dreamy French provincial country house steps from downtown Lourmarin in Provence.
Over the years exploring European destinations, my travel style has evolved to prioritize accommodation more than I used to. While I once gravitated toward budget-friendly options to maximize my travel experiences, I now carefully weigh the perfect balance between the setting, location, and price point for my stay in each destination. That said, certain accommodations have left an indelible impression—places so exceptional they are worth the trip alone. These standout hotels and rentals exceeded my expectations in every aspect, from their breathtaking grounds and restaurant offerings to their warm hospitality; even the comfort of their beds.
Here are the hotels I consistently recommend to friends and fellow travelers—the places I would eagerly book again in a heartbeat.
Blue Sand Hotel – Folegandros, Greek Islands
I originally saved this hotel from an Instagram post almost a decade ago, and it seemed too good to be true for the price. It wasn’t until I arrived that I was certain it was everything I imagined it would be— boutique, family-run, with modern touches but Greek to its core. The balcony view was incredible, and watching the evolution of the beach through the day (from local fishermen stocking up their boats, to the sunrise over the water, to the first people arriving for a dip in the Mediterranean while I sipped my coffee) was exquisite. I credit how much I loved Folegandros to the location of Blue Sand Hotel; it’s close to the charming, bohemian downtown with restaurants and other beaches a short walk away, with an unbeatable 5* view. I would go back here in a heartbeat.
Blue Sand Hotel’s Instagram | Link to Book
Storfjord Hotel – Alesund, Norway
Tucked away in the breathtaking Norwegian fjords, Storfjord Hotel feels like something straight out of a fairytale. The location is simply unparalleled, offering direct access to boat rides that wind through the majestic fjords — an experience that should be on everyone’s bucket list. What truly sets this place apart are the panoramic views from the restaurant that are so spectacular they almost don’t feel real; I found myself constantly reaching for my camera during meals (their offerings are all locally-sourced and delicious). Inside, the coziest furnishings and thoughtful touches create a hygge atmosphere that perfectly complements the dramatic landscape outside. And I can’t forget to mention the beds — some of the most comfortable I’ve ever slept in, so much so that I tried to purchase their mattresses.
Storfjord Hotel’s Instagram | Blog Post from Storfjord Hotel | Link to Book
Hoxton Amsterdam – Amsterdam, Netherlands
Nestled in Amsterdam’s picturesque Nine Streets district, the Hoxton Hotel perfectly captures the city’s blend of historic charm and contemporary cool. The location couldn’t be more ideal — you’re steps away from the best boutiques, cafés, and galleries in the city. I highly recommend splurging on a canal-view room; there’s something magical about watching boats glide by while you enjoy your morning coffee. What I particularly love about the Hoxton is its ground floor space — part restaurant, part lounge, part workspace — that buzzes with energy from morning till night. The atmosphere feels like the world’s coolest coworking space, with travelers and locals alike tapping away on laptops, having meetings, or simply enjoying a drink. It’s the kind of place where you feel instantly connected to Amsterdam’s international vibe, one of the reasons I often come to work here on my laptop when I visit. Read my Amsterdam, Netherlands guide.
The Hoxton Instagram | Link to Book
Myblue Cave Houses – Santorini, Greece
If there’s ever a place to splurge on accommodation, it’s Santorini, and Myblue Cave Houses offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience with views of the most iconic blue rooftops that have made this island famous worldwide. The villa itself (we stayed in ‘Island Blue’) exceeded all expectations — somehow even more charming in person than in photos, with its whitewashed walls and blue accents creating that quintessential Cycladic atmosphere. Every evening became a ritual as we watched the legendary Santorini sunset right from our private terrace, cocktails in hand, without fighting the crowds. What makes this stay truly special is its exclusive location in a part of Oia that’s now roped off to the general public — only accessible if you’re staying here. My advice? Make your Santorini visit a shorter, more luxurious stay rather than stretching your budget across more nights; the splurge for these cave houses is absolutely worth the experience. Read my Santorini travel guide.
MyBlue Cave Houses Instagram | Link to Book
Ett Hem – Stockholm, Sweden
Ett Hem translates to “at home” in Swedish, and no name could be more fitting for this intimate boutique hotel housed in a meticulously restored Arts and Crafts building. The property strikes that perfect balance between luxurious and lived-in, with interiors that feel both sophisticated and comfortably worn-in. What makes dining here special is the glass-enclosed conservatory where farm-to-table meals are served; surrounded by lush greenery even in winter, you feel as though you’re sharing a meal with family in a centuries-old building rather than at a hotel restaurant. Every corner reveals thoughtful details — from the carefully curated art collection to the vintage furniture pieces that tell stories of Swedish design heritage. It’s the kind of place that makes you reconsider what a hotel can be, less a temporary dwelling and more a glimpse into a beautifully curated Swedish life. Read more about this trip to Sweden.
Ett Hem on Instagram | Link to Book
Le Galinier de Lourmarin – Lourmarin, France
Nestled in what I consider the most enchanting town in the South of France, Le Galinier de Lourmarin captures everything that makes Provence magical. Its location is unbeatable — just a five-minute stroll from one of the best outdoor markets in France, where the scents of fresh lavender, herbs, and local produce create an intoxicating sensory experience every market day. The property itself is a love letter to Provençal living, with exceptional gardens that bloom with Mediterranean plants and flowers, creating secluded corners perfect for reading with a glass of local rosé. The rooms maintain that delicate balance of rustic charm and elegant comfort, with touches that reflect the region’s rich history. The kitchen and pool are exquisite. Whether you’re enjoying breakfast in the sun-dappled courtyard or lounging poolside, your only worry will be thinking about your departure date. Read my Provence, France guide.
Le Galiner de Lourmarin’s Instagram | Link to Book
Huus Gstaad – Switzerland
High in the Swiss Alps, Huus Gstaad redefines mountain luxury with its perfect blend of traditional alpine architecture and contemporary design. The rooms are among the coziest I’ve ever experienced — think plush bedding, warm wood accents, and picture windows framing postcard-perfect views of snow-capped peaks that change with the light throughout the day. What makes this place truly special is the atmosphere in the main dining hall, where guests gather around a crackling fire, nursing mugs of the richest hot chocolate imaginable after a day on the slopes. There’s something wonderfully communal about the space that encourages conversation with fellow travelers, yet you can always find a quiet corner to curl up with a book when solitude calls. The Huus strikes that perfect balance between being a luxurious retreat and maintaining the cozy, welcoming feel of a traditional Swiss mountain lodge.
Huus Gstaad’s Instagram | Blog Post from Huus Gstaad | Link to Book
Hotels on my wishlist
For every hotel I’ve had the opportunity to experience, there are a dozen more on my ever-growing wishlist. Here are the properties that have me constantly daydreaming—some I’ve been eyeing for years, while others are newer discoveries that instantly captured my attention with their unique design or breathtaking settings:
- Pa.te.os in Setubal, Portugal – I fall more in love with Portugal each visit, and this stunning property is in a different region I’d love to explore (though I would also return to Lisbon if I could stay at Verride Palacio de Santa Catarina).
- Crillon le Brave in Provence, France – the ultimate quintessential French countryside retreat. We booked a stay here a couple years back and unfortunately had to change our travel plans, so I still think about planning a trip back.
- Tainaron Blue in Mani, Greece – a recent addition I saved on Instagram that’s quickly rising to the top of my travel wishlist.
- No. 15 by Guesthouse in Bath, England – this family-friendly property has me dreaming of exploring this historic English spa town while revisiting the Cotswolds, a region that has stolen more of my heart with each visit to the English countryside.
- 57 Nord in Scotland – I tried to reserve this hotel during our Scottish Highlands road trip a few years back but it was fully booked. Those floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking rugged Scottish landscapes have kept it firmly on my list.
- Es Raco d’Arta in Mallorca, Spain – this hotel has single-handedly reignited my desire to return to Mallorca with its perfect blend of rustic charm and contemporary luxury. I would have to combine it with a stay at Son Blanc on the neighboring island of Menorca.
- La Minotte in Montfort-l’Amaury, France – I’m so curious about the neighborhoods just outside Paris, and I’d absolutely love to combine a city visit with a stay here (it’s an hour away from the city center).
- Cielo Villas in Zakynthos, Greece – I’d love to return here and split my time between Zakynthos (conveniently reached by direct flight from Amsterdam) and exploring the neighboring Kefalonia’s dramatic landscapes for the first time.
- Tonnara di Scopello in Sicily, Italy – this one grabbed my attention on Instagram for a reason: its historic stone buildings and crystal-clear swimming coves create a setting so perfect it hardly seems real.
