DETOUR DESTINATIONS
These places are worth a detour, a trip where the hotel or the Bed & Brekfast is the main destination. Some have been selected for their charm, others for their elegance, but they all are comfortable and pleasant places to stay, in beautiful settings and with an impeccable level of service.
DÁ LICENÇA / ALENTEJO / PORTUGAL
Dá Licençia is a world of its own, situated amongst 13,000 olive trees, complete with its own anthroposophical furniture and craft collection. Meticulously planned, all senses will be at the same time stimulated and soothed at this small, friendly hotel in upper Alentejo.
L’AND VINEYARDS / MONTEMOR–O–NOVO / PORTUGAL
L’AND Vineyards is not only a hotel and winery, but also has its own Michelin-starred restaurant. One of its most distinct features is its design – sleek and minimalist, reminiscent of the style made popular through Wallpaper* magazine. Walls are white, floors are dark, and many of the interior details are signed Tom Dixon.
DEXAMENES SEASIDE HOTEL / KOUROUTA / GREECE
If Dexamenes Seaside Hotel didn’t exist, someone would have to invent it. Its clever transformation of old wine tanks on the Peloponnese beach into a minimalist, sustainable hotel.
LE MOULIN DU ROC / CHAMPAGNAC-DE-BELAIR / FRANCE
The hotel, formerly an ancient walnut-oil factory, sits on the banks of the Dronne River, only ten minutes from the town of Brantôme. The garden has an outdoor pool and a tennis court, but the main draw is the restaurant and its spacious terrace, right by the river.
CLOS MIRABEL MANOR / JURANQON / FRANCE
With a panoramic view over nearby vineyards, overlooking the entire mountain chain of the Pyrénées Atlantique, the fifteen-acre estate Clos Mirabel is almost worth visiting for the views alone. It is family-run which reflects in the atmosphere: staying here is informal and casual, almost as though you are staying with your own family or friends.
B&B LA CHANCELIÉRE / SANCERRE / FRANCE
The B&B La Chancelière is housed in a charming mansion in the village Saint-Satur, only a few minutes by car from neighbouring Sancerre. Every evening, Sancerre wine and some goat cheese – the famous local delicacy “crottin de Cavignol” – is served on the terrace.