Palazzo Gattini is a splendid example of sophisticated luxury hospitality, a worthy member of the truly great European hotels that make one feel completely at home and at ease without pretentious pandering or “trying too hard”.

Located 200 miles north of the Arctic Circle, Tromsø has been called “The Paris of the North” and it is from here that many explorers set off. Now adventurers visit to seek out their own polar experiences.

For our time in Arctic Norway, I’d looked at outfitters and excursions that arrange inclusive experiences, I stumbled upon Norwegian Travel. We were able to visit their mountain camp, where one can book to join in dog sledding, reindeer feeding, snowmobiling, northern lights safari, and visit the famous Ice Hotel.

A myriad of islands dot the lagoon, a convenient day trip from Venice, the most idyllic of these is arguably Burano.

Attme Have’s aurora huts are placed to spectacular advantage, one perched on the mountainside and the other right on the fjord. Both sport a panoramic view of the snow-blanketed mountain suround.

Hoposa Costa d’Or is an adults-only hideaway, unpretentiously chic in that particular Mallorcan way of low-key luxury, fitted agelessly into the precipitous Tramantura mountains that hug the cobalt coast of Mallorca.

The Foundry Suites might be described in a single sentence as a hipster’s hidden paradise in Athens. With a French press and record player, microbrews, and midcentury-modern-meets-industrial trimmings, The Foundry provides lux comfort with a tasteful edge.

Malta, a tiny island country with its riveting legends and history, complete with its extraordinary mixture of world influences; is an enigmatic and endearing place. It doesn’t take long to see why Odysseus struggled to find the will to sail away from its rocky shores.

Dubrovnik is one of those “all in one” destinations where culture, history and pure recreation exist a short walk from one another. A walled medieval city, rising from a rocky promontory above the sparkling waves of the Adriatic, it’s no mystery why Dubrovnik is the filming location for so many cinematic scenes. 

On an island off the coast of Portugal a stone fort juts sharply above the aquamarine waters of a hidden cove. A thin walkway links the fort to an island, spanning a harrowing drop over the waves below. This secret hideaway is Grand Berlenga Island, a 20 minute boat excursion from the bustling surf mecca of Peniche.

Anatolia is a destination unlike any other. In Cappadocia volcanic rock forms were long ago adapted into cave homes by Anatolia’s ancient inhabitants. The strange tower like rock formations, turned habitation, are so enchanting that they have been dubbed “fairy chimneys”.

The gulf of Orosei in Sardinia is one of the most stunning stretches of coastline in the world. Sailing up the coast, each breathtaking vista is replaced by another. Dramatic cliffs and rock formations drop precipitously to the azure sea where yachts and speedboats dot the turquoise waters, exploring Orosei’s world famous beaches and sea caves.

Quinta da Regaleira is one of the finest and most diverting of Sintra’s famous historic chateaus. The gardens of Quinta da Regaleira are, in a word, enchanting. Here, greens seem brighter, huge boulders form the shape of sleeping trolls and dark crevices open into grottos where paths lead through and over lurid green pools.

Amsterdam is a city with a rich and unique history, earning well its place among the capitols of Europe.

At Casa de Mita you quickly get pulled into an alternate universe of lazy days spent at the pool, long molten sunsets and breakfasts overlooking the beach as local fishing boats bob against the horizon.

Sardinia is full of surprises, from stunning aqua coastline, pristine beaches and dramatic sea caves to medieval castles, and mysterious ruins left by an ancient people. Sardinia is one Italy’s favorite summer playgrounds.

Soller and it’s sister Port de Soller are one of those “best kept secrets” of summer sun seekers in Europe and are among our top most idyllic beach destinations and island getaways.

Tucked into the warren of gritty neon textures and saucy smells that embody Seoul’s Myeongdong, hides the hipster-chic hotel MMMIO Design Residences.