Our “Month of Travel” on the blog has been particularly inspiring for me — we’ve connected with travel writers, friends living abroad, and photographers documenting incredible adventures on instagram. We even spent an entire happy hour on Camille’s patio swapping vacation stories with our contributors. While I’ve found great new destination cities and landscapes, some of my most exciting discoveries have been the incredible hotel properties quietly hiding around the world. Our team put our heads together to create a list of our top ten hotels — some of these places we’ve actually been to, and some are still on our dream itineraries. Either way, these ten unbelievable hotels are destinations themselves:
Calistoga Ranch in Napa Valley, California
“We spent one night here a few years ago, and I literally wanted to unpack my bags and move in permanently. Tucked into a Napa Valley canyon, it is one of the most relaxing spots I’ve ever set foot in. Each “lodge” has its own fireplace, hot tub and view of the forest beyond (and fun fact: you’d never guess that the resort grounds were once a trailer park!)”
— Camille
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Belmond Hotel Splendido in Portofino, Italy
“My honeymoon in Italy may have been almost 10 years ago, but my memories of our time at the magical Hotel Splendido on a hillside overlooking the harbor of Portofino feels just like yesterday. I can still remember the ghostly white color my husband turned when he paid for the room, but it was a dream trip for us both!”
—Lauren
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The Marlton in Manhattan
“I’ve always had a soft spot for Greenwich Village — it’s where I lived during my one summer in New York. I’m dying to spend the night in the recently reopened Marlton, where Jack Kerouac once stayed while working on manuscripts for On the Road. This boutique hotel’s tiny rooms pack major Parisian style, and come at a price tag that’s bon marché.”
— Jennifer Rose
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Las Ventanas Al Paraiso in Los Cabos, Mexico
“Cabo is one of my favorite spots on earth, and this resort feels like one major spa from the white stucco architecture to the gorgeously appointed suites to the minimalist landscaping. If it tells you something about the environment, the hotel actually has an official Department of Romance to ‘ensure that guests’ every romantic dream comes true.'”
— Camille
El Cosmico in Marfa, Texas
“I love the elaborate simplicity of El Cosmico – the last time I visited, we stayed in a gorgeous Safari tent, complete with wooden flooring, a heated mattress, and beautiful Southwestern linens. It was our first stop on a long(ish) road trip to the Grand Canyon, and so refreshing that we made a impromptu stop on the way home as well!”
— Emma
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The Efendi Hotel in Akko, Israel
“Since I have so much family in Israel, I’ve actually never stayed in one of the many hotels that the country has to offer. But since discovering the Effendi Hotel in the historic northern city of Akko, I may have to make an exception on my next visit. Exquisitely preserved and restored over the course of 8 years, the boutique hotel overlooks the Mediterranean Sea and boasts breathtaking, tranquil interiors. It’s at the very top of my dream hotel list.”
— Chanel
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Capri Palace in Capri, Italy
“I’ll never forget the blissful week we spent here on our honeymoon 5 years ago. Swimming in the gorgeous pool, lounging at the chic bar, and eating an unbelievable amount of fresh mozzarella at the fantastic restaurant. My favorite part was the intoxicating scent of sea and flowers that oozed from every corner of the hotel; I’ve never been able to recreate it.”
— Camille
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Post Ranch Inn in Big Sur, California
“Nestled 1200 feet above the Pacific Ocean on one side with a breathtaking view of the majestic Saint Lucia Mountains on the other side of the property, the Post Ranch Inn is my favorite hotel of all time. With just 39 rooms at the hotel, we felt like we had the place to ourselves and I may or may not have shed a tear as drove away from the most beautiful place I had ever seen!”
—Lauren
Ambassador Hotel in Santorini, Greece
“At the start of summer, we were in desperate need of a relaxing, rejuvenating getaway. After much research and deliberation, we travelled to the spectacular Ambassador Hotel in Santorini. With unforgettable sunset views of the caldera, top-notch service, and a private dipping pool in each white washed, modern room, it was the vacation of a lifetime.”
— Chanel
DRIFT San Jose in San José del Cabo, Mexico
“I recently discovered this little Air BNB gem via Instagram, and I’m in utter awe of it’s pure hipness: with a stripped-down minimalist design and only the most basic of amenities, DRIFT is able to offer rooms for as low as $75 a night. Created to provide hip young travelers with a stylish alternative to all-inclusive resorts, DRIFT has me wondering ‘Why didn’t I think of that?!'”
— Jennifer Rose
