In the Cotswolds: Cowley Manor Experimental
The first building was built in 1695 on the land of one of the last kings of England, who is said to have exchanged it for that of Westminster Abbey. Today, sumptuous parks and gardens surround the manor with intact woodwork and moldings, but resurrected with the unique touch of Dorothée Meilichzon. There are contemporary four-poster beds, strong prints, shapes and colors that collide. There's a bit of
Alice in Wonderland
here (Lewis Carroll is said to have written it in Cowley), especially in the restaurant with its graphic banquettes and plump tables.
The best part
:
the sublime spa, a nod to this past thermal destination.
From €292 per night. cowleymanorexperimental.com
In Rome: Casa Monti
Designed by star interior designer Laura Gonzalez, this “artists’ house” is the third address of the small Leitmotiv hotel group, which opened La Fantaisie in Paris. Located in the creative Monti district, we find a certain bias towards fantasy, precisely… Plant frescoes rub shoulders with antique pieces, Italian objects of art and abundant prints. It's poetic and intimate, with 26 rooms and 10 suites, a patio and a small trattoria.
The best part
:
the sunsets from the rooftop cocktail bar.
From €450 per night. casamontiroma.com
In Berlin: Royal Castle
Two 19th century buildings – including the former Stasi headquarters – now house the most arty address in this capital of the underground. Around a hundred works of art create a permanent exhibition initiated in collaboration with the Berlin Museum of Contemporary Art, KW. Each of the 93 rooms is decorated with a painting, photo or installation, and mixes canework, modernist furniture, velvet seats and oriental rugs. Both minimalist and eccentric, vintage and ultra-contemporary.
The plus
: the Scandinavian table of Icelandic chef Victoria Eliasdóttir.
From €225 per night. chateauroyalberlin.com
In Morbihan: Domaine de Locguénolé & Spa
In the heart of a centuries-old forest and overlooking the ocean, this Morbihan institution reopens its doors after three years of colossal work. In total, 44 rooms renovated in the spirit of returning from a trip... We fell in love with the rooms of the manor with their colonial atmosphere, with designer wallpapers, free-standing bathtubs, dark woods and breathtaking views. For horse riding enthusiasts, head to the old stables with its minimalist chic rooms.
The best part
: the cuisine of MOF chef Yann Maget, who has worked with the finest Parisian brigades.
From €252 per night.domaine-locguenole.com