Europe

Casa X \ Barcelona \ Spain

There’s something distinctly ‘James Bond’ about this 4-bedroom home just outside Barcelona: an X-shaped concrete and glass construction jutting out from a pine-tree-covered hillside looking out to sea – yes, it’s hard to think of a weekend getaway better suited for a seriously slick spy on a break.
Casa-X is available for both visitors and commercial guests. For couples, families and groups looking for a fantastic place to spend their vacation time, to film directors looking to infuse a little Tom Ford into their next feature film, this place offers both. And we can see why.
Designed by renowned Catalan architects Cadaval & Sola-Morales, Casa X unashamedly stands out from the rest of the more traditional villas set in this affluent area of Cabrils. Inside, it’s a generous 315 square metres distributed over 2 floors; and while its carefully kitted out with a mix of modern décor - think giant contemporary artwork, 60’s style Charles Eames chairs, and oversized light balls – the real star of the show is the view. Wooded mountains and the sparkling Mediterranean Sea are visible from all angles, and reflect off the double height floor-to-ceiling windows. Here, nature and cutting edge design are one.

*text via Clemmy Manzo and images via Jocelyn Mandryk

San Giorgio Hotel \ Mykonos \ Greece

This stylish boutique hotel sits gracefully above the dramatic rocky shore of the Aegean Sea, traditional Cycladic clean lines of the white-washed buildings encompassing a turquoise pool surrounded by palm trees, enticing hammocks and sun loungers. Every corner of this laid-back, boho chic hotel has been minimally, yet thoughtfully decorated with raw wood furniture, cotton matelassé quilts, and other carefully chosen accessories, creating the feel of a comfortable retreat that you'll never want to leave. Lounge in a hammock on your private veranda, swim in the azure ocean out front, relax by the private salt-water pool, or explore one of the many fantastic beaches. Whether you seek relaxation and solitude or want to enjoy the world famous clubs, San Giorgio Hotel truly is a Greek paradise that has it all.

For the full listing, click here.

*images courtesy of hotel

Ursulino Valletta \ Malta

Set on a quiet, cobble-stoned street facing the monastery of St Ursula, Ursulino sits gracefully among Valletta’s beautiful Baroque buildings. Formerly a 20th century family townhouse, it began a new lease of life as one of Valletta’s loveliest boutique hotels in 2015 and has retained its original art nouveau charm. An eclectic art collection focusing on Valletta’s city-scapes in all styles and colors decorates the walls of the communal areas, while the seven contemporary rooms feature pops of bright colors and Maltese-style tiled floors; sleek bathrooms are equipped with Molton Brown amenities.
Among this boutique bolthole’s special features is its rooftop terrace with 360 degree views of Valletta’s skyline, including Fort St Elmo and the Grand Harbor. On balmy, sunny days - and there are many in Malta - you can enjoy a continental breakfast up here (we loved the Sicilian sweets).

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*Images courtesy of Ursulino Valletta

Thirtyseven Gozo

Two decades ago, fashion industry professionals Patti and Giuseppe bought an abandoned 400-year-old farmhouse in the sleepy town of Munxar in Gozo. Today, the property has been transformed into a luxurious rural retreat filled with beautiful objects from their travels around the world. Their spectacular taste shines through in carefully selected furniture within the uniquely decorated rooms and suites. There are 10 in total, ranging in style from contemporary pop art in the Marilyn Monroe-inspired loft to oriental glamour in the Shanghai Junior Suite. The authentic limestone building is divided in two parts – the original house and a new, more modern wing – and across the boutique bolthole are two pools and pretty plant-filled courtyards looking out onto Gozo’s countryside. Combining down-to-earth rustic charm with bespoke luxury, it’s no wonder A-list celebrities such as Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie chose to stay here when filming in Gozo.

For the full listing, click here.

Valletta Vintage \ Valletta \ Malta

Valletta Vintage is a seriously stylish collection of five studio apartments spread across three historic buildings in Valletta and Birgu, adorned with an eclectic mix of mainly vintage finds, complemented by bespoke and contemporary pieces. Owner-architect Chris Briffa’s passion for art and design comes across in each themed apartment. The Atelier (formerly Chris’s architect studio), The Gallery and The Library Room are housed in a restored 18th century limestone building by Fort St Elmo. Each features a unique charm, but we loved our Library Room, with its traditional Maltese balcony, hammock, architect’s steel desk, Philippe Starck lighting and potted plants. Lovers of all things vintage will appreciate the hip Retro Pad, a one-bedroom maisonette with beautifully restored furniture and designer pieces.

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*images courtesy of Valletta Vintage

Perivolas Lifestyle Houses \ Santorini \ Greece

Perivolas is the ultimate in laidback luxury. Poised on the cliff high above the Aegean, this intimate escape is designed as a place where you can let the rest of the world slip away. Built amphitheatrically, Perivolas’ secluded location combines expansive views with the luxury of absolute tranquillity. It’s just a short walk from Oia, the most beautiful village on Greece’s most romantic and dramatic island, Santorini. Terraced gardens spill down the slope to the infinity pool, which seems to slip off the rim of the cliff and bleed into the blue horizon. Only the occasional toll of church bells or the whistle of a fishing boat far below breaks the meditative silence. It is easy to linger here all day, watching the changing light until the sun settles into the sea.

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*images courtesy of The Nomadic People

Villa Tamara \ Bol \ Croatia

Just steps away from the crystal clear sea, Villa Tamara is a luxury seafront villa surrounded by a lush garden area of lavender, oleander and pine, with a large patio and sitting area by the enticing pool. The traditional stone villa has been updated with all the modern amenities and furnished with both classic and simple pieces to create a comfortable and relaxing atmosphere. Sleeping up to 10 people, there are 4 spacious bedrooms, 2 of which have incredible sea views, and 3 bathrooms. The villa is perfectly placed beside the famous marble steps that lead to Golden Horn Beach, also ideal for diving, water skiing, kayaking, jet skiing and wind surfing.

Click here to see the complete listing.