Hotel Spotlights
Journey Between Hotels
by Monika MarkovinovicMoving between two, three or more carefully chosen hotels lets you experience a destination in quiet layers—each stay with its own rhythm. Whether it’s an intimate two-stop escape from coastal stillness to city hum or a curated path through several addresses, each of these bucket list journeys reveals a destination’s many faces through a series of thoughtfully connected stays.
France
Les Sources de Caudalie + Les Sources de Cheverny
From storybook forests in the Loire to sun-soaked vineyards in Bordeaux, experience France the Les Sources way. Start with two dreamy nights at Les Sources de Cheverny, including a stay in a Prestige Room, château-hopping pass, a Spa by Caudalie treatment and dinners at L’Auberge and Le Favori. Then travel south to Les Sources de Caudalie in Bordeaux wine country for two more indulgent nights, with buffet breakfasts, a seven-course tasting at two Michelin-starred La Grand’Vigne and a Grand Cru tasting at Château Smith Haut Lafitte. This four-day bucket list journey is all about the little luxuries: breakfasts in bed, bikes on standby and pools ready for plunging.
Portugal
The Lumiares Hotel & Spa + The Rebello
Trade one view for another, swapping Lisbon’s rooftops for Porto’s riverbanks in a journey that captures Portugal’s old-world charm with a modern twist. Begin at The Lumiares Hotel & Spa, set in the heart of Lisbon’s vibrant Bairro Alto, where rooftop views sweep over terracotta tiles and the Tagus River. Days here blend cultural wanderings with spa indulgence and fresh, seasonal dishes at Lumi. Then head north by scenic rail to The Rebello in Porto, a former port warehouse reborn as an industrial-chic retreat. Overlooking the Douro, it’s all about riverside strolls, heritage tours and Bello rooftop cocktails at sunset. With electric MOKEs available at both properties, scenic detours become part of the adventure, offering a playful way to explore Portugal’s creative capital and soulful north at your own speed.
Spain
METT Barcelona + METT Marbella Estepona
City vibes meet beachside breezes when you flip your Spanish bucket list journey from sleek sophistication to sun-soaked fun. Start at METT Barcelona, perched high on Tibidabo Hill, where minimalist design, sweeping mountain panoramas and The Pool Club’s sun-drenched terrace set the scene for effortless relaxation. Follow that by escaping the city and heading south for a stay in the heart of the Spanish Riviera at METT Marbella Estepona, a vibrant beachfront playground where chic Andalusian styles meet 325 days of sunshine. Positioned around the resort’s Azure Beach pool with uninterrupted views of the Mediterranean Sea, it’s the perfect place to soak up all the Costa del Sol has to offer.
Italy
Val di Sogno + Hotel AVIDEA
Two dream destinations, one bucket list journey—no need to choose between the majestic Dolomites or the true dolce vita on Lake Garda when you can have both. Begin at Val di Sogno, an adults-only lakeside haven on the Verona side of Lake Garda where Italian elegance meets serene waters and private boat excursions, perfect for sunset magic. Then switch gears and travel two hours north to Hotel AVIDEA, a serene adults-only alpine sanctuary in northern Italy where all-inclusive luxury wraps you in effortless comfort and the rooftop skypool invites you to unwind beneath endless skies. Top off your trip with a breathtaking helicopter flight soaring over Texelgruppe Nature Park and its towering mountain peaks.
Scandinavia
Rox Resort + Hotel Pigalle
Take the Scandinavian long way around, trading the Danish coast for Swedish city streets without ever rushing the journey. At Rox Resort in the seaside town of Køge, the good life comes with an indoor pool club, three heated pools on the rooftop and a sun-drenched cocktail bar facing the ocean. From here, hop on the train via Copenhagen, crossing the Øresund Bridge into Sweden, delivering you to Gothenburg roughly five hours later. Hotel Pigalle picks up where its fellow ESS Group property leaves off, swapping sea breezes for velvet chairs, vintage wallpaper, rooftop cocktails and live music every weekend. It’s a stylish Scandinavian double act, linked by one scenic rail journey.
Bhutan
Six Senses Bhutan
Step deeper into Bhutan with every valley, every view, every lodge. Embark on a journey through five distinct Six Senses Bhutan stays—each designed to embody the vibrant spirit of the Himalayan kingdom while immersing you in Bhutanese culture and nature. Begin above the capital at Thimphu’s “Palace in the Sky,” then drift toward the warm, rustic charm of Punakha. Wander among stone ruins in Paro, watch black-necked cranes take flight in Gangtey and end your bucket list journey forest-wrapped in Bumthang. Across it all: spa rituals, soul-stirring hikes and a deeper sense of happiness rooted in Bhutan’s own philosophy. One country, five lodges and a dream-like path between them.
Japan
Aman Tokyo + Amanemu + Aman Kyoto
To understand Japan, you must move through it—and there may be no more thoughtful way than with three Aman stays. Begin in the heart of the capital at Aman Tokyo, a serene urban sanctuary offering skyline views, a 30-meter pool and Japanese bathing rituals high above the city. Head south to Ise-Shima’s Amanemu, where natural hot springs, coastal stillness and a sprawling wellness centre bring deep rejuvenation. Finally, journey north to Aman Kyoto, hidden in a forest at the foot of a secret garden, where matcha, mountain air and golden-hour aperitifs await. At each destination, enjoy signature comforts: daily breakfast, wellness access, local traditions and quiet luxury at its best.
Caribbean
La Samanna + Cap Juluca
One Belmond island escape is great, but two? Even better. Start at La Samanna on the much-dreamt-of shores of St. Martin, where beachfront suites and lush gardens invite you to live the Caribbean life with a splash of sophistication. Savor fresh daily breakfasts and unwind by the infinity pool or on soft sands. Then cruise over via semi-private boat to Anguilla’s Cap Juluca, a tranquil sanctuary of white beaches, turquoise waters and barefoot luxury. Here, laid-back charm meets refined comfort, perfect for soaking up sun or savoring sunset cocktails. With effortless transfers, resort credits at each hotel and a rhythm that shifts from buzz to bliss, your Caribbean bucket list journey hits every note.
California
Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club + Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills
From salty sea air to star-studded streets, dive into a California coast-to-city escape. Start at Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club, where ocean views, luxe suites and a choice of spa or golf set the perfect chill vibe. Don’t forget to enjoy a dinner credit at Bourbon Steak, where every bite comes with a side of views. Then hop aboard a private 40-foot yacht for cocktails and coastal cruising. Next stop is Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills, where a stay in a Hollywood Suite with panoramic city views awaits, along with rooftop dining (with a credit, of course) and a La Prairie Spa massage. Two nights of seaside serenity, two nights in the City of Angels—California, here we come.
Maldives
COMO Maalifushi + COMO Cocoa Island
Double the Maldives magic with a bucket list journey between two exclusive private islands. You’ll begin at COMO Maalifushi, a vibrant family paradise almost entirely surrounded by coral reef, where world-class surfing, diving and the Play by COMO kids’ club keep everyone smiling. Recharge with daily half-board dining before hopping on a seaplane transfer to the serene shores of COMO Cocoa Island. Here, intimacy reigns with romantic sunsets, sandbank dinners and barefoot walks on silk-soft white sand. Two islands, two vibes, one dream holiday.