Boutique getaways

I haven't been on a holiday in ages, but if I got the chance to stay in any hotel I wanted, I have no idea what style I'd prefer. Modern? Rustic? Themed? Glam? I came across a website called Boutique Getaways, which is a guide to some pretty stylish hotels located in several countries. These are some of my favourites - and apparently I prefer glam or rustic.

Ocean blue

It's been a tough week for Kim and I must admit I'm happy the weekend is here for me. Time for another virtual holiday. This time I've booked a couple of rooms at boutique hotel JK Place, Capri. I'm mesmerised by the ever changing azure hues of the ocean and the blindingly white hotel. Once inside.... sigh. If we can drag ourselves away from our drinks we may even venture into Capri's famous Blue Grotto. Perhaps another glass first.

Images from JK Place Capri

Colourful Italian hotel

I'd like to introduce you to one of the wildest hotels I've ever seen. This is a glimpse into the Byblos Art Hotel - Villa Amista, a five-star hotel in Verona. Talk about creative and over-the-top decor. I imagine staying here would have you feeling a bit like Alice in Wonderland. The colours are simply stunning.

Take me away to paradise

Sharm (whose family is from Malaysia but who has just bought her first apartment in Oslo, Norway with her husband) sent me a link to paradise and I've been daydreaming over the photos ever since. "Sekeping Serendah is a private retreat attempting to tread lightly on the land. The very transparent and open sheds celebrate the beauty of the natural environment surrounding them. The sheds are intentionally kept basic and free from lavishness. They are seen more as ‘glorified tents’ to provide basic shelter for its inhabitants as they commune with the land." Sekeping Serendah, an hour drive north of Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia, consists of 5 sheds set within 5 acres of tropical rainforest. The glass, mud and timber sheds float gently over the forest floor beside a bubbling brook. Terima kasih Sharm!

Images from Sekeping Serendah

Retro hotel

Joanne emailed us a photo with an interesting story behind it that I wanted to share:

"We are working on an enormous photography project for my in-laws. Going through literally 60 years of snapshots and slides to make a photo album. Anyway, I unearthed the attached, which was taken on a trip they had made to – I think – Florida. Must have been in the early sixties, is my guess. Anyway, they stayed in this hotel and must have taken a picture of the room before they really lounged in it. I thought it might go with your next 'retro' series. Check out the serious shag carpet – and the artwork is actually fantastic!"

I love the fact the photo originates from the sixties, and thought it was worthy of it's own post. It's amazing how "current" the decor is. The sixties are back baby! Thanks Joanne, and good luck on the photography project!