Tabitha Joyce

Sifnos is the Cycladic island that serious food lovers have been quietly championing for years, and Verina Astra clings to a steep hillside above it with just a handful of suites. Exceptional views of the island and the Aegean; interiors in whitewashed simplicity. The island's celebrated restaurants, pottery studios, and hiking paths are all easily within reach. A very good and quietly perfect base.

A high-desert hotel in Taos, Hotel Willa reimagines a 1960s motor lodge with contemporary minimalism and genuine local spirit. It’s part of Casetta’s design portfolio, so of course the look is fresh: terracotta walls, hand-woven textiles, original vigas, and sculptural adobe doorways. Some of the 51 rooms look out Sangre de Cristo Mountains, while shared spaces include a gallery-meets-lobby, a desert-landscaped pool deck, and The Store featuring local curation. Dining at Juliette pairs wild-foraged herbs and heirloom ingredients. This is one for the creatives, who like an overnight stay with a bit of flair.

One of Japan’s oldest and most beautiful ryokans, Asaba has been in the hands of the same family for over 540 years. Something pretty remarkable for the 12-room Japanese inn in the spa town of Shuzenji. Swap bright city lights for the quiet Shuzenji Temple, bamboo forests and hot springs, activities much encouraged by the holistically focused team. Inside, it’s all tatami floors and shōji walls here. The style is minimalist, with traditional mid-century furniture and a few standout art pieces. Service, as you’d expect, is impeccable, and on arrival you’re assigned a room attendant who ensures you always have something to eat or drink, a relaxing hot spring ready for you, and your bed prepared at night. Now try and leave…

If you're looking for a little bit of romance, with a touch of flair, La Residencia is it. Surrounded by gorgeous garden greens with olive and citrus trees and the rippling Tramuntana Mountains, this Belmond island favourite is the perfect place to spend balmy summer days and nights. You can do as much or as little as you want here, exploring nearby Deià (it's walkable), playing tennis on the best court we've ever seen or lusting over the fanciful interiors in your room. The four-poster beds, claw-foot bathtubs, and Mallorcan antiques are all great, as well as the Matthew Williamson suite. Dinner at fine-dining El Olivo is a hit – just claim your space as from golden hour to sunset it’s one of the best terraces to be.

Around an 18th-century haveli in Jodhpur's old city, the RAAS group has built a stay that puts Mehrangarh Fort, floating 400 feet above the skyline, front and centre. Modern art alongside pink sandstone, polished terrazzo with flashes of Jodhpur blue. The Stepwell Suite is the room to book; the Stepwell Café has a private entrance from the hotel.