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Riad Rosemary · Marrakesh
Riad Rosemary, Marrakech
Belgium-born, Marrakech-based artist Laurence Leenaert’s design studio LRNCE has long been a must stop on the Marrakech design circuit. Her eye for aesthetics has made her whimsical ceramics highly covetable home items, so it’s little surprise that her first hotel, Rosemary Riad, is one of the city’s most beautiful stays. With just five rooms, the intimate property is a real oasis. Truly no detail was overlooked at the riad, from the silver toilet paper holders, to the beautiful rooftop where seasonal meals are served, to the menu of custom experiences guests can enjoy (including a pottery class with Laurence herself.)
Sun Ranch · Byron Bay
Sun Ranch, Byron Bay
Creative director, interior designer, and restaurateur Julia Ashwood is behind some of Byron Bay’s coolest projects: restaurants The Eltham Hotel, Ciao, Mate!, You Beauty, and hotel Sun Ranch, our favorite place to stay in the Australian surf town. The groovy estate is inspired by Julia’s travels and 1970s California ranch houses, and her incredible taste can be seen throughout the sprawling resort, from the whimsical rooms to the amenities including a wood-fired floating sauna, 80-foot pool, Argentinian BBQ, and more.
Shila · Athens
Mona & Shila, Athens
Athens’ most stylish hotel duo, Mona and [Shila], is the result of a creative synergy between New York–based owner and lead designer Shai Antebi, French-born designer Anna Bonnet, and Greek photographer and creative director Eftihia Stefanidi. The versatile spaces function as living showrooms and pop-up cultural hubs, seamlessly woven into Athens’ gritty-cool landscape. Mona is set within a a former 1950s textile factory and features 20 open-plan rooms, each with a beautiful bathtub. It’s a study in industrial-chic design, complete with a rooftop overlooking the Acropolis and a particularly fantastic breakfast (served until 1pm). Shila, by contrast, has just six rooms and feels like a timeless private home. What it lacks in expansive public spaces, it more than makes up for in authentic charm—it’s the place to book if you want to feel like a true Athens local.
Carmen Amsterdam · Amsterdam
Carmen, Amsterdam
Amsterdam's ultra-chic insider stay is Carmen, a multifunctional canal house encompassing a guesthouse, boutique, and cafe. Run by Carmen Atiyah de Baets and her husband Joris ter Meulen Swijtink—who have backgrounds in fashion and food, respectively—the creative project was born after the duo inherited the property, a former family home. It retains a home-like feel—thanks in part to the fact that Carmen, her husband, and their daughter live on the upper floors—with spaces including a beautiful cinema room, courtyard garden, and lounge overlooking the canals. A moderately affordable home base, the property is undoubtedly the top pick for stylish couples who want to stay somewhere with soul that feels like your own apartment. Even if you're not staying, do not miss the cafe and excellently curated shop.
HOTEL CORAZON (Agroturismo) · Deià
HOTEL CORAZON, Mallorca
A hot spot upon opening in 2024, Hotel Corazon is most certainly the coolest, most aesthetically-driven address in Mallorca. This is little surprise given that it’s owned by two of the island’s most fashionable locals, photographer Kate Bellm and artist Edgar Lopez. Bellm and Lopez’s art lines the walls at the property, which feels a bit like a hippie retreat gone five-star. Rooms are decorated with drapey linens, round couches, and sheepskin throws, and the pool is surrounded by 70s-style loungers and vibrant hammocks. The 70s-cool aesthetic is continued at the alfresco restaurant, which serves great drinks and a seasonally-driven menu.
Farasha Farmhouse · Marrakesh
Farasha Farmhouse, Marrakech
Owned by the husband-and-wife duo behind Boutique Souk (Marrakech's best event planning firm—who have put on some major events), this former artist’s farmhouse has been transformed into an impeccably designed stay with four intimate rooms, a pool, regenerative farm, and garden that highlights local craftsmanship and artisans. Truly every single detail has been considered, from the custom tapestries to the book collection donated by the estate of legendary fashion editor Diana Vreeland. Located about 40 minutes outside of Marrakech, it’s best for 2-3 days of R&R after exploring the city center.
Vermelho Melides · Comporta
Vermelho, Melides
As one of the world’s most famous designers, Christian Louboutin is more than a creative, he is a fashion world icon. But we’re including his Portugal hotels on this list because they are truly special, and still somewhat of insider spots. His first property, Vermelho, is set in the shoe designer's longtime hometown of Melides (a sleepy resort town located 20 minutes by car from Comporta). The 13-room property is an absolute design marvel—and filled with furniture and art from his own personal collection. Opening in 2026 is his second hotel, Vermelho Lagoa, which is located a short drive from the original hotel. The new opening will have just ten rooms, all of which will boast beautiful water views (a perk that the inland property does not have). The boutique stay will also have a full roster of amenities, including a restaurant, nearly 25-meter pool, and a full spa. And if it's anything like Louboutin’s first property, the interiors will be spectacular.
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