Written by Chloe Hambidge

Canaves Oia Epitome, Santorini

Imagine a slice of heaven with promised relaxation and luminous white washed buildings creating an angelic aura of cliffside paradise. In typical Santorini perfection, stumble upon the bright endless blue of the Aegean Sea, nestled amongst immense craters of a drowned volcano be overwhelmed by the harsh darkness of ashy rock amongst the vibrant splattering’s of sunsets painting the horizon splayed out before you. These vivid orange and pinks staying true to Santorini’s renowned picture perfect offerings. With the ideal combination of these Greek assets, allow Canaves Oia to sweep you off your feet, despite its wonderfully serene location, this quaint hotel is perched just a tranquil stroll from Oia’s restaurants, bars and shops. With a delightful raffle mix of spell bounding scenery, traditional architecture, a world-class spa experience and infinity pool all working at one to tie together a restful retreat equipped with showcasing panoramic views. This hotel offers a complimentary shuttle into Oia town which is steeped with history and gorgeous Cycladic architecture with rooves painted a lush shade of blue to make you swoon. The resort is a soothing solace away from any hustle and bustle, stocked with 24 pool villas its your own private slice of pristine Greek luxury, and its only walking distance to the beach. This already hinting at the endless VIP view of the ongoing ocean before you that this resorts perfect location offers; all the more proving Santorini’s hierarchal spot as Europe’s number one spot for watching the golden sun dip into the sea. Other marvellous amenities Canaves offers is a remarkable spa boasting Elemis products, romantic wine tasting followed by a candle light dinner and thrilling offerings of private yacht sailings for front row seats of Santorini’s cliff face glory.

Cap Rocat, Mallorca, Spain

This regal fortress opens its doors over the breath taking Bay of Palma, here the sea is like a ongoing quilt of patchwork beauty with different hues of blue joining together like a shimmering jigsaw puzzle. In a nature reserve of 30 hectares with 2km of protected coastline and cocooned by high-walled sand stoned passages which lead to secluded watch towers and battlements carved into the rock. This sand stone wonder has been transformed into stylish suites tucked away above lulling waves, all this natural magnificence working to guard Mallorca’s best kept secrets, which you are now in on. This magnificent rehabilitation project is dedicated to delivering simple and understated beauty for a stay that will stick with you for a life time. Feel like royalty in this oasis of peace as you indulge on authentic Majorcan cuisine at the upscale La Fortaleza or recline at the relaxed Sea Club where you can snack on grilled fish and wine in a match made in heaven. Couples can even enjoy a private dinner under the moonlight as this hotel goes above and beyond to deliver. Paying homage to the cultural and ecological heritage of Mallorca, this haven is perfect for the travellers who revel in the appreciation of love and legacy that thrives in the destinations they explore. All rooms offer a unique sense of escape paying homage to the marvel of sleeping in an ancient fortress. Traditional citadel fixtures are splendidly renovated to create an elegant getaway of suites and rooms, restored with utmost care and charm.

Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar, Oman

Situated 2,000 metres above sea level, this hauntingly gorgeous resort is hugged by soaring mountains and rugged canyons. The juxtaposing beauty of this pristinely modern hotel amongst the immense natural wonder of its landscape is captivating with dark relief spanning as far as the eye can see. Crowned as the highest resort in the Middle East and one of the highest in the world guests are spoilt for choice for scenery to awe at, whether that’s overlooking dramatic canyons or tranquil gardens. Thriving from its location, this Anantara gem makes the most of its surroundings with an array of activities from archery, cooking, painting and photography to lounging with a loved one amongst a pool of dazzling stars on their renowned stargazing platform. Kids are also set free in their very own kids club designed to inspire young minds and truly enthuse them about the honour of partaking in this unique environment. No matter how much you prepare yourself, nothing can do this rocky summit of luxury justice. With 115 rooms and villas to unwind in, all fully stocked with Omain furniture with underlining’s of traditional touches paired with the sweet scent of the good life with Amouge bath products. Villas even come equipped with a personal butler and private swimming pool. Although, it’s not only the sublime landscapes that offers this destinations beauty on a plate, but also there mouth-watering food offerings. Partake in the immersive ‘Spice Spoons’ where those with an inquisitive mind can truly explore an array of tantalising flavours. On this journey you will accompany a chef to a local souq as well as wander the resorts garden to be talked through the vibrant flavours of Omani cooking. Further delve into the delights of the authentic Oman with Anantara’s Friday night market, a great place to pick up souvenirs and handicrafts made locally. Opportunities and endless in this sky high escape of culture and luxury.

Post Ranch Inn, California

Envision a soulful sanctuary nestled 400 meters above the Pacific Ocean. Sitting in rustic beauty, the Post Ranch Inn dominates the cliffs of Big Sur which is embellished with emerald conifers and unsurpassed vistas of the sky welding with the deep blue ocean. This treat for your mind and body truly is a transformative experience as you feel as if you floating on a cloud of luxury service and tempting amenities. Just off of the California Highway, which in itself is one of the most scenic roads in the world, just hints at the scenic adventure your about to embark on. The inescapable beauty of this haven is situated between Los Angeles and California, away from manic city life, allow yourself to truly unwind and rejuvenate. Branching off from the panoramic bliss of the endless Pacific Ocean at every corner, this elegant hotel goes hand in hand with this unavoidable sense of utter tranquillity with two clifftop basking spas, complimentary activities such as morning yoga, whale watching and stargazing etc, and the unbeatable aura of romance and peace with its added title of being adult only. With sunsets exploding across your entire eyeline, stay in rooms decked with natural architecture and woody fixtures lit up from the warm glow of a log fire averting your eyes to the expansive lapping ocean below; all building an unbeatable sense of comfort. Spoil yourself at The Wine Spectator Grand-Award Winning Sierra Mar restaurant, where gourmet food is at your fingertips and delicious food matches the immense thrill of its landscape. This hotel is highly regarded as one of the world’s most acclaimed resorts, through its architectural marvel this Ranches charm is the perfect combination where natural perfection meets the embodiment of relaxation.

Jade Mountain, St Lucia

Elevated above a shimmering 240-hectre beach, and hugging bounds of luminous lush greenery, get tickets to front row seats of St Lucia’s stunning scenery. With the renowned Pitons erupting like beacons of Caribbean beauty, holiday with these uninterrupted vistas paving the perfect honeymoon spot. Set high on Morne Chastanet, rise majestically above the 600 acre golden beach front where waves lull your name. This ultra-exclusive resort seamlessly combines pure luxury with unparalleled spaciousness, rooms are warmly referred to as sanctuaries, and for all the right reasons. Redefine your idea of balcony views with these ‘sanctuaries’ opening up their fourth wall to welcome sweeping scenes for prime mountains viewing. This paired with open plan rooms with grand sweeping spaces where bedroom, living room and extravagant infinity pools meet and create a delightful place to escape to. Glide onto your very own extraordinary platform and float elevated with nature itself. This charming resort cannot be missed with round the clock service dedicated to rewarding an unbeatable friendly atmosphere with a bold and vibrant architectural design to allow you to revel in St Lucia’s excitable culture. The resort itself is connected by a series of bridges connecting each infinity pool like a luxury maze, feel as if in your very own fairy-tale land you can explore all to yourself. They even have an award winning restaurant with live entertainment which really is the cherry on the cake.

Il San Petro di Positano, Italy

Designed to be tucked away and hidden from the world, be engulfed by sweet flora and tangy citrus trees hugging this hotels entryways. Revel in the charming Amalfi Coasts best kept secret, in extravagant Italian fashion sit as if transported to a classy 50s film, with wide windows and vine embellished terraces, overlook bays of lapping sea and multicoloured pastel villages. Sit in god like advantage with the borders of crashing waves against sand stone rock. This surreal cliff face village is a surreal otherworldly escape renowned for its peace and quiet as well as discreet retro glamour. With a boutique feel, roam wide hallways equipped with quirky details whether that’s with evocative lamps or polished gilded coffee tables. Like most of Positano itself, stay in chic bedroom hideaways tumbling down cliff-side glory, with fresh décor and hand painted ceramic tiles like a breath of well needed fresh air. Fabric boasts vibrant Mediterranean colours and artwork exploding from every wall adorned with shining white paintwork like a beacon of effortless style. Staying true to its luxury label, the hotel upkeeps this trademark extravagance with two restaurants which are in a whole league of their own. Michelin starred restaurant Zass is set in panoramic bliss with tables set along the rock edge towering high above the glimmering aquiline water below. Or tease the palette and the relaxed beachside Carlino. Imagine the immense relaxation summer brings and explore these horizons at Il San Petro, whether exploring their spa which can be discovered in the depth of their very own lemon orchard garden, to unsurpassed coastal views below and beyond.