My love for Vilas is evident. Even if you haven't been following for long, you probably already know that. I'm not quite sure if part of it is the nomad in me – or maybe it's the 'stresser' in me that sees beauty in the escape to paradisiacal places – but Villa Castelluccio by Andrew Trotter is my latest obsession.

In a world of modernism, bluntness and sharp edges, here comes an interior that is soft in all the best possible ways. Soft curves and arches make an appearance; all the textures bring a sense of warmness and comfort to this space. It is impossible not to be enchanted by it.

It comes as no surprise that this place has made an appearance in several online publications. The majestic combination of the perfectly crafted interiors and the views of Ceglia, Puglia, are a match made in heaven.

Don't you think?

There's one itch that I cannot ever get rid of – the wandering itch. Often I wake up making travel plans for 3-4 years down the road I tell my daughter, "When we go to Paris together…" or, "I'll take you to the best 'Pastel de Nata' place in Portugal…". She gets starry-eyed like me. She's always been a great traveler... ever since her first trip when she was just 3 months old, so I’m sure she’ll always be the best travel companion.

Istoria is now on our list: a beautiful holistic hotel in Santorini, Greece – by Interior Design Laboratorium. ISTORIA Hotel is a unique Mediterranean sanctuary located in a deserted part of the Aegean Sea. The meaning of the name is "story" because this place is inspired by travelers' stories that have visited this place through the years.

The design focuses on the traditional architecture of the Santorini Island, with dominating traditional architectural features like those arched doors, thick washed walls, natural materials and muted color tones paired with strong natural stripped brick colors and textures.

This eclectic hotel offers the visitor a true Greek experience and a story of their own to tell.

Ph. Design Laboratorium

A hotel hidden in plain sight in the vast beauty of Canyon Point, Utah, Amangiri is an award-winning luxury hotel by the  well-known Aman group that co-exists with nature in a quiet-yet-grand way. With rooms starting at $1,000, there’s an unspoken expectation of finding opulence and pompousness. But the only display of anything pretentious comes from nature. The imposing dessert and the grandiose canyon shapes create the perfect atmosphere for both resting and exploring.

Amangiri falls outside the common descriptions of a hotel. I don’t think it can even be classified as such. It is more a place of rest. Bedrooms are compact and pared down to the essentials – almost promoting minimalism and mindfulness by its simple beauty. A desk, a bed and low couch are all set on a pale-stone platform facing a wall of concertina windows that open up completely to the outside. Bathrooms (my favorite part) are large and sybaritic, with rain showers (sold!), deep soaking tubs and sweeping views of the rock walls.

In case you were wondering... yes, there’s a beautiful spa, a stunning pool, and meals to remember – but as enticing as that must sound, the hotel is not just a beautiful frame for the outdoors or a zen-like experience. Only at Amangiri do guests have the extraordinary opportunity to explore the majestic dessert in unique ways. Hike through rock formations, experience the sunrise in a hot-air balloon or horseback ride through the wonders of Canyon Point.

The experience of co-living with nature is what makes traveling from our concrete living to Amangiri. If you’re curious to know what it feels like to stay at a hotel were the indoor and outdoor experience is blurred, this should be your next trip.

Take A Peek

Ph. Aman Resorts, Giorgio Possenti and Joe Fletcher

Nelson Garrido


Casas na Areia is a paradisiac destination and micro hotel that has proven to deliver greatly.

Located one hour South of Lisbon in an ocean-side region known for its magnificent white-sand beaches, fresh seafood and excellent wine. The hotel co-exists with the Sado River without trying to be anything but an honest place of rest and relaxation.

The subdued decor and organic architecture of these four bungalows were extremely well thought out. Designed by Manuel Aires Mateus, the mission was to break barriers between the outer and the inner space, bringing nature in, quite literally, bearing all the flooring and having sand throughout the main cabin — thus provoking a communion with nature inside and out.

It’s commendable to see more and more architects trying to share with nature rather than imposing themselves on it. We're coming into a beautiful time of realizing how stunningly "enough" the world already is and how little we need to bother it on order to make it comfortable and functional.

The fully minimalist interiors have everything you need and attest to the beauty of a less-is-more mentality and my wandering soul simply aches to visit some day. I fell for it at the first sight of those thatched roofs and sandy floors.