Ah…2022 travel dreams… Not only are their places I want to visit, but there are hotels I want to stay in. This list is of places I have a shot at getting to this year except the last one. That’s a reach! What hotels are on your wish list?
The Shard in London, UK: Located on the 34th to 52nd floors of the UK’s tallest building. High thread count sheets, themed cocktails and an infinity pool on the 52nd floor… all tempting…but let’s face it you want to stay here for the views…360 degrees of London.
Airelles Chateau Versailles in Versailles, France: A chance to actually stay in the Palace where Mme de Pompadour and Marie-Antoinette once stayed…my fantasy could be a reality. 14 sumptuous rooms, an Alain Ducasse restaurant, a Valmont Spa and access to Versailles Palace after hours when the tourists have gone.
Hotel Napoleon, Paris, France: More suites than rooms, steps from the Arc de Triomphe, inspired by the epoch of Emperor Bonaparte. Built in 1923 as a private home, it became a hotel in 1928. The golden book is signed by the likes of Ernest Hemingway, Josephine Baker, Salvador Deli and Errol Flynn. Renowned for staff loyalty and longtime ownership by the Kliaguine family.
Augustine, Prague, Czech Republic: Very contemporary design inside a maze of buildings that were once a 13th century Monastery. Augustine monks still live on the grounds. The three-floor tower suite located in the former observatory has panoramic views of Prague. The bar is the only place in world where you can taste St Thomas beer.
Icehotel, Jukkasjarvi, Sweden: Rebuilt every December, the hotel is different each year. In addition to standard room, 12 art suites are created by handpicked artists. They are unique and ephemeral. When spring comes in April, they are gone forever. Special sleeping bags are provided. There are also some heated rooms and activities like dog sledding and snowmobiling.
Chateau de la Barre, Loire Valley, France: In the same family since 1404, this is the chance to hang out with French Royalty. The Count and Countess still call the Chateau home. The website asks you to request an invitation, not make a booking. The Countess organizes special experiences for her guests.
Cliveden House Hotel, Taplow, UK: Long a stately home filled with beautiful people and scandal. Built for the Duke of Buckingham’s mistress, it was the backdrop for the Profumo Affair. Churchill, Lennon and Chaplin all stayed. Luxurious, decadent and close to Heathrow Airport.
Hotel Marques de Riscal, Elciego, Spain: A wine I love, a hotel designed by Frank Gehry, stunning vineyards and a charming medieval town. Such contrasts.61 rooms in a building that looks like a pile of ribbons. How cool is that.
White Desert, Antarctica: Two camps with luxury pods, a whole new way to see Antarctica. Sip cocktails, hiking ice waves, hanging out with 28,00 emperor penguins and visiting the South pole. Guests fly in from South Africa. This is a long shot, but hopefully one day!
all photos are from the hotel’s website
Great selection Julie
Thank you 😊
Fabulous bucket list- once agin I may have to meet you at one! xoox
shauna
Let’s plan a trip
Interesting list
What’s on yours?
The only one we have in common is the Marques de Riscal. Assuming our trip to Spain goes ahead May/June, we’ll be staying at a number of lovely hotels on Mallorca such as Son Brull and Jumeirah, plus Mas Torrent on the mainland.
Can’t wait to hear all about where you stay! I tried to pick places that I realistically may get to this year. There are so many amazing hotels in the world!
Too many for us to visit them all
So true!
What a fantastic list! Thank you for introducing us to these very unique properties. We may have to plan something together!