Perched dramatically on the clifftops of Kangaroo Island’s wild southern coast, Southern Ocean Lodge is one of Australia’s most iconic stays — reimagined, rebuilt, and more remarkable than ever. This is the kind of place where luxury doesn’t compete with the landscape, it flows with it: curved, low-slung architecture that disappears into the dunes, floor-to-ceiling windows that frame the crashing sea, and interiors that draw directly from the island’s raw, elemental beauty.
Tucked within the lush canopy of the Daintree Rainforest, where ancient trees meet river bends and birdsong replaces background noise, Silky Oaks Lodge is a sanctuary in every sense. This is where you come to slow down, sink in, and feel utterly enveloped by nature — but with the soft touch of luxury ever-present. Floor-to-ceiling glass, local artworks, rainforest-sourced botanicals, and a spa inspired by First Nations healing traditions — it’s wild, but polished.
At the edge of Australia’s spiritual heartland, Longitude 131° offers an extraordinary blend of raw natural beauty and refined luxury. Overlooking the rust-red curves of Uluru, this unique desert retreat immerses you in the stories of the land while delivering the kind of service and style usually reserved for the savannahs of Africa. Think: guided explorations by day, degustation dining under the stars by night, and an atmosphere so effortlessly relaxed, it feels like stepping into nature’s own private lounge.
There are luxury hotels, and then there’s Badrutt’s Palace. Framed by snow-dusted peaks and overlooking the frozen lake in the heart of St. Moritz, this legendary address has been setting the standard for alpine glamour since 1896 – and still somehow manages to feel fresh, exciting, and quietly untouchable.
Set in the heart of the Swiss Alps, award-winning The Chedi Andermatt offers a striking blend of Alpine heritage and Asian-inspired design. This is a place where traditional timber and natural stone meet sleek lines, moody lighting and a sense of effortless calm.
Perched high above the peaceful, car-free village of Wengen, the Grand Hotel Belvedere feels like stepping into a slower, more elegant era – but with just the right amount of modern edge. A Belle Époque icon reimagined by Beaumier, this five-star retreat blends historic grandeur with a fresh, understated style that fits perfectly with its surroundings.
Not all Adriatic escapes are created equal. One&Only Portonovi doesn’t just flirt with grandeur—it owns it, unapologetically. Set against the still, cinematic waters of Boka Bay, this is Montenegro at its most magnetic: dramatic limestone mountains, a pinch of Riviera glamour, and that lovely low hum of somewhere quietly confident in its own cool.
Perched on the turquoise shores of Fethiye, Hillside Beach Club is the kind of place that makes you rethink what “relaxing holiday” means. Set in a stunning bay, with a blend of effortlessly cool design and a laid-back vibe that never feels forced, this is where you come to kick back, unwind, and feel like you’ve discovered a hidden gem.
Tucked away on a private peninsula along Bodrum’s unspoilt northern coast, Maxx Royal Bodrum Resort is one of those rare finds that manages to feel both wildly indulgent and wonderfully easy. Wrapped in Aegean blues and framed by sleek, contemporary design, it’s a resort that doesn’t try too hard—but still gets everything right.
Some hotels feel like a destination in themselves—and then there’s Passalacqua. Perched above Lake Como in the charming village of Moltrasio, this exquisite 18th-century villa has been meticulously reimagined by the family behind the Grand Hotel Tremezzo. With just 24 suites, it feels more like stepping into an aristocratic lakeside retreat than a hotel—where grand interiors, warm hospitality, and a deep sense of place come together effortlessly.
Perched high above Ravello, Caruso, A Belmond Hotel is a dazzling escape that feels like stepping into a living postcard of the Amalfi Coast. This isn’t just a hotel; it’s an experience that blends centuries-old history with the effortless, understated luxury that defines Belmond. Originally a 11th-century palace, the property oozes old-world charm, but it’s the sharp modern touches and impeccable service that really bring it into the 21st century.
On the Formentor Peninsula in the heart of Mallorca, Four Seasons Resort Mallorca at Formentor offers the perfect blend of history, luxury, and natural beauty. Once a beloved retreat for the island’s elite, this resort was first established as a grand hotel in the 1920s, frequented by artists, writers, and the world’s most discerning travellers.
Swords Travel are bonded by the Travel Trust Association for further financial protection and are ATOL bonded. Swords Travel Limited a UK Company, registered in the UK under companies’ house 10075557. For more information, you can review Terms & Conditions on the following link: Swords Travel T&Cs
