the most intimate bedrooms to book this February
A romantic sleepover, an amorous stay. What defines one in 2024? Eschewing traditional notions, such as petals on dove-white sheets, we seek extraordinary destinations. Be it the enchanting Scottish Highlands, the timeless allure of Paris or the exotic borderlands of Mozambique – each offers an experience that stands out and defies categorisation. Throughout, there’s one common thread: you needn't venture far from your bed, or at least the premises, to rekindle spirits, rediscover yourself and elevate your love life.
In a way, Sterrekopje in South Africa initiated, or at least cemented, a love story – that of founders Fleur Huijskens and Nicole Boekhoorn. It was Nicole who first discovered this fertile, mesmerising piece of land cradled in the foothills of the Franschhoek mountains and decided to start her ‘healing farm’ here. Three months into dating, Nicole swiftly followed. She eventually proposed to Nicole on the top of Sterrekopje mountain, one of its many magical spots.
Their love for the place can be felt in every corner, in the tiniest detail.
Each of the 11 suites is uniquely designed, dramatically beautiful and crafted to feel like a private retreat. Fleur remarks, "There’s so much romance, or poetry, to this place – lush gardens to hide out in, outside bathrooms where you can take an evening bath under the stars or a midnight swim under the moon in the lake. Surrounded by mountains that turn pink at sundown, I believe there’s no continent in the world with such beautiful light – it guides us through the day."
And how do the beds rank? Well, restorative rest will be yours at Sterrekopje. Fleur explains, "Our mattresses, duvets and pillows are made with 100% natural materials by a family company from Switzerland. Guests can choose to sleep under 1000-thread Egyptian cotton or 100% Italian linen. Beyond that, I believe we offer the thickest, fluffiest towels in the world, truly. In-house, we also designed a double-layered robe crafted from cotton and linen for optimum relaxation. When we designed the robes, we envisioned our guests wearing them all day. That became a reality. You can’t even imagine how happy that makes us."
Badrutt's Palace is a place that seems straight out of a dream, offering a vantage point with breathtaking views of both the lake and mountains in St. Moritz. The renowned Engadine light delicately filters through the windows, casting a magical glow. This otherworldly setting carries echoes of Wes Anderson and the enchantment of a Princess Sissi fairytale.
Majestic is the word on our lips as we step through the grand entrance of this Swiss chateau, unveiled in 1896 by Caspar Badrutt, the second son of Johannes Badrutt. Fun fact: Johannes, the founder of winter tourism in St. Moritz, initiated this venture as a result of a daring bet. Up until today, Badrutt's Palace remains a family-owned and operated business. Alexander Marakovits, a proud member of the Badrutt's Palace team, affirms, "We are a privately run hotel with a 128-year history and are not part of a hotel chain. Our guests are surrounded by different designs and furniture, some antique, some perfectly staged by renowned international designers. We don't aim to be like any other place in the world."
Indeed, Badrutt's Palace stands in a league of its own. Alexander emphasises, "Every material or object that guests come into contact with during their stay is subject to strict quality control - without exception. The bed linen is particularly important because it contributes to a healthy and restful sleep." Breathing in the fresh mountain air as you awaken, glistening views of the lake just ahead, adds to this rejuvenating experience. Here's a tip: indulge in an intimate, candle-lit dinner at Krug Stübli, set in the midst of a vast wine cellar within the Palace.
There are two kinds of romance: the grand gestures and the slightly more subdued kind that stir the soul. The latter might very well be found at Lundies House. Set in the tiny town of Tongue in the Scottish Highlands, Lundies House surrounded by rugged landscapes and a dramatic seascape.
It almost feels like the edge of the world; you can get out of your head and let your thoughts drift.
The distinctive charm is found in Scandinavian meets Scottish design, local craftsmanship, bare feet on old stone floors and a pint of home-brewed whiskey or an herb-infused tincture shared with strangers.
Lundies House has us spellbound. It’s quite a trip to get down to this bolthole overlooking the Kyle of Tongue (a shallow sea loch), but that’s part of the adventure. The Swiss co-founder, Ruth Krämer, shares, "There used to be priests living here, and I do sense that this place has got a lot of karma. The way we envisioned it was for it be nearly like a family home. You go home to your best friend who takes care of you in the best way imaginable." Slow travel but with all modern comforts (like super-speedy Wi-Fi, which is very rare in this area).
Ruth adds, "I’m captivated by this place for so many reasons. For one, it’s nearly soundless. Maybe you hear a single ship pass, a bird chirp. Waking up, you smell the fresh air, coffee, home-made pastries and gaze through beautiful, big windows straight into nature. It’s very peaceful. We’re looking for that sensation of when you were a child and completely satisfied. Nothing’s fake around here, just nature at its best." The bedrooms have a warm, restful palette and organic, opulent linen bedding.
"You know, when we started this guesthouse, we came up with a story. We envisioned (actor) Steve McQueen on a motorbike up the hill, just passing through town, making a stop-over and sitting at the fireplace. Just a lonesome traveler on the road, maybe sharing his adventures, his views on the world, with the people he serendipitously meets here. We want to invite natural interaction – if one’s up for it. We arrange shared dining tables, and we’ve experienced that’s often the start of wonderful conversations." Lundies House might just be where a whole new journey begins.
Suspended high above the N’wanetsi River, the glass-walled suites at Singita Lebombo offer the option of a large bed outside on the wooden deck. The beds have custom-dyed, 400-thread-count bedding. The rooms are designed to avoid visual clutter, allowing the focus to shift to the wilderness outside. A mosquito net envelops the bed, providing cosy, cloud-like protection.
Inspired by the eagles’ nests on the cliff face of the riverbank, Lebombo Lodge offers visitors a sensation of floating between water and sky. Guests can sleep outdoors under starry skies and wake up to unparalleled views of the world-renowned Kruger National Park in Singita’s private concession spanning 3,300 acres – a little slice of heaven.
Singita Lebombo is a renowned conservation and ecotourism brand that has been preserving Africa’s untouched natural spaces for almost three decades with a hundred-year purpose. Their ethos, ‘touching the earth lightly,’ is considered imperative for our survival, the land, wildlife and communities under their care. This commitment has earned them a spot on The World’s 50 Best Hotels 2023 and the 2023 Flor de Caña Eco Hotel Award for outstanding sustainability efforts.
Possibly encapsulating the very essence of romance, Aman Venice is situated in a highly exclusive setting: a 16th-century Palazzo on the Grand Canal in the heart of the city, offering only 24 stunning suites with original frescoes from celebrated painter Giovanni Battista Tiepolo (1696–1770). The walls hold a rich history of romantic tales, beginning with the property's commission by the seafaring Coccina family in 1570. In the 1800s, the Palazzo was reimagined as a home for entertaining by the newly married Count Nicolo and Maddalena Aldobrandini, later forming the dowry during the marriage of Vera Papadopoli Aldobrandini and Count Giberto Arrivabene. Aman Venice provides a glimpse into an era when Venice was a haven for great artists and thinkers.
Aman Venice provides a glimpse into an era when Venice was a haven for great artists and thinkers.
Charlotte Mitchell, working with Aman, stresses the commitment to a ‘home away from home’, ensuring exquisite rooms and beds. She explains, "We’ve selected the highest quality mattresses created with natural materials by an Italian company in Milan. The bedding is made from Egyptian cotton by Rivolta Carmignani, a prestigious Italian textile designer producing fine linens for over 150 years, guaranteeing a blissful sleep for our guests." Aman Venice surely is a place where you’ll want to rest your head.
Kaira van Wijk
If you've heard of Vogue, ELLE or FD Persoonlijk, then you've probably read some of Kaira's sharp, incisive words. Born in Götenburg, Sweden, with an Indo-Dutch background, this worldly journalist captivates both on and off the page. Though she's a minimalist when it comes to packing, Kaira knows how to get the most of her favourite places (Amsterdam, Oaxaca, Lisbon). When we're looking for excellent design and amazing restaurants or for off-the-grid inspiration, Kaira's inevtiably our gal.
