Relaxation doesn’t just come from lying flat on your back. Some accommodations work their magic by creating new perspectives and quiet spaces for contemplation. Spanning cultural movements old and new, these five hotels deserve your full attention, whether you’re approaching a favorite destination with new eyes (Rome, we meet again) or want to explore something new, like a literary-leaning Finnish sanctuary.
Malaga, Spain
Named after a fictional but heroic and hospitable host, Cristine Bedfor Malaga Rely on storytelling to transport you into the fantasy world of Andalusia. The hotel is housed in a 19th-century mansion in Malaga’s old town, designed by the same architect who designed the city’s Teatro Cervantes. Its rooms read like chapters from a travel diary, drawing on Christine’s memories of the fictional Clementine Island; antiques, art and fabrics blend Spanish style with curios from further afield. Real-life owner Cristina Lozano works to peel back Malaga’s many layers, guiding guests through noteworthy exhibitions and inviting creative minds to host workshops at the hotel. She has prepared a detailed walking guide for the upcoming Holy Week (March 29 to April 5) to show you how to make the most of the festivities.
Broaden your horizons: If the fictional Clementine Island has you yearning for physical shores, bring your room’s beach basket and drive 10 minutes to Playa de la Malagueta. The golden sandy beach here is backed by a promenade of palm trees. Kilingitos (Beach Bar) Serves chilled wine and skewered sardines.
Somerset, UK
In 1959, John Steinbeck said of his months-long stay in Bruton, “Here is the peace I have always dreamed of.” This sense of tranquility continues to Bruton first placespread out among Georgian townhouses, a medieval forge and some 18th-century cottages. The colorful country rooms are a showcase for West Country craftsmanship, which also extends to the fire-warmed bar and restaurant Briar, where a seasonal menu is rooted in the land. The hotel’s private dining room doubles as an art and studio space; previous exhibitions include photography by Don McCullen and Nik Wheeler, and mosaics and embroidery works by artist Candace Bahouth. From May 14th to 18th, author Esther Freud will be hosting a creative writing workshop at the hotel; space is limited, so be quick. There’s plenty to pique your interest in Bruton itself, including Hauser & Wirth Somerset and award-winning restaurants Osipchef Merlin Labron-Johnson takes advantage of the county’s abundant orchards, wildflowers and foraged ingredients.
Broaden your horizons: Bruton’s high street has grown in recent years, with independent boutiques, pubs and west country delis. Browse the Philo & Philo antique store for coveted homewares, then find your poison at The Old Pharmacy—actually a bistro and bar stocked with fine wines, liqueurs, and herbal cocktail tinctures.
Miami, USA
An anchor between Miami’s thriving urban past and its glorious present, Miami Moore Hotel Good design is proven to have staying power. This neoclassical landmark has stood on the site of a former pineapple plantation for more than a century. Fast forward a hundred years, and it’s now located in the heart of Miami’s Design District—an enclave of creative studios, design boutiques, and groundbreaking galleries. Designers from Los Angeles-based Studio Collective were brought in to transform the building into a hotel, filling the hallways with works by Latin American artists and furnishing rooms with furniture from Brazilian brand Sossego and Dallas-based manufacturer Mous. The crowning glory of the Moore is the massive Zaha Hadid sculpture that spans the four-story atrium, which is also home to chef Massimo Bottura’s Italian restaurant Torno Subito. The fourth floor gallery is currently preparing a work by artist Soledad Low relic theory The exhibition opens on March 14 and runs until the end of June.
Broaden your horizons: Visiting the Design District’s galleries (try the Institute of Contemporary Art and the Opera Gallery) can be thirsty work. Thankfully, guests staying at the Moore Hotel have access to its private club, which includes a rooftop bar overlooking the skyline and an intimate speakeasy.
Porvoo, Finland
Famous for its cobbled streets, wooden houses and peaceful riverside walks, Porvoo is easily the most photogenic place in Finland. It is one of six medieval towns in the country and has strong links with Finland’s national poet Johan Ludvig Runeberg, who slept in an inn that stands on the current site. Hotel Runo. Works by contemporary Finnish artists are displayed in the modern Nordic-style rooms, some of which feature huge tiled stoves to keep you warm. The hotel excels in the cultural department, hosting a monthly Finnish jazz night (usually the last week of the month); arranging poetry retreats and mentoring workshops; and hosting Runo Biannal, a six-month ongoing exhibition at the hotel. The concierge team is also on top of what’s going on in the city, making sure you’re always up to date on special exhibitions, harvest fairs or lantern carnival nights.
Broaden your horizons: In Finland, it’s fair to think of a spa day as a cultural pursuit. You’ll find that Runo has mastered the art of wellness, with a sauna, traditional cold bath showers and a fireside relaxation area in the loft.
Rome, Italy
Some cultural stewardship practices take place long before the accommodation opens. This is where the story takes place peter palacea collection of antique apartments located in Rome’s Campo Marzo, close to the great performance venues of the Centro Storico. When owner Carlo Mazzi bought the 15th-century palazzo in 2012, he began a seven-year renovation project to remove years of stylistic crime, uncover forgotten frescoes, restore porticoes, and add masonry from his personal collection, some of which dates back to antiquity. Unwilling to rely solely on appearances, he subsequently offered a room in the palace to the Frammenti Club, a cultural salon and concierge service that could arrange private tours, chef-hosted dinners and literary lectures.
Broaden your horizons: Follow in the footsteps of Roman spas and enjoy a treatment in the palace’s mosaic-tiled hammam, which can be booked through the concierge. At your command, they will also raid Club Flamende’s wine cellar on your behalf and deliver the wine to your apartment, waiting for you after your session.
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