There are few experiences as instantly calming as taking a dip in a swimming pool. The water beckons us to relax, soothing both mind and body as we enter a tranquil mental space where time seems to slow down. Scattered across Europe, properties within THE AFICIONADOS collection boast a diverse array of pools, each reflecting the distinct character of the hotel and its environment.
Summer offers an ideal chance to immerse yourself in the European lifestyle, with plenty of destinations to discover. Imagine yourself in the historic cities of Portugal, where tradition meets modernity, and a charming courtyard invites you to relax under the warm Mediterranean sun. Alternatively, in Spain's vibrant Andalusia region, the lush countryside provides a picturesque setting for a leisurely bike ride through olive groves and vineyards.
The architecture of each property harmoniously complements its natural surroundings, with design elements that pay homage to the local culture and landscape, whether it's in Portugal, Greece, Austria, or Spain Switzerland. As the most laid-back season of the year approaches, one thing is certain: the water beckons, promising relaxation and rejuvenation.
BEAUSITE, ZERMATT, SWITZERLAND
The BEAUSiTE hotel in Zermatt, opened in 1907, has been the preferred refuge for mountaineers, Matterhorn enthusiasts, and skiing aficionados since its inception. Its interior design, led by Claudia Silberschmidt, blends Belle Époque elegance with Alpine elements, highlighting the region's mountaineering history. With a bold color palette and details that pay homage to the Alpine heritage, the hotel merges casual luxury with the legacy of the Golden Age of mountaineering. The constant presence of the Matterhorn in the surrounding landscape underscores the historical significance of Zermatt and the BEAUSiTE hotel itself, embodying the essence of glamour and contemporary design while honoring its Alpine legacy.
FORSTHOFGUT HOTEL & SPA, LEOGANG, AUSTRIA
The Forsthofgut Hotel & Spa, surrounded by the stunning alpine landscape of the Leogang Mountains, seamlessly integrates luxury with nature. Originally a rural forestry outpost dating back to 1617, the hotel embodies a strong connection to its surroundings, reflected in its architecture and design.
Combining traditional Alpine styling with modern flair, Forsthofgut embraces a cozy aesthetic with materials like wool, leather, stone, and loden alongside polished concrete and architectural steel, offering guests a cosmopolitan retreat deeply rooted in Austrian tradition, harmoniously blending with the breathtaking natural beauty of its surroundings.
HAVEN MOUNTAIN RESORT, ST. JOHANN IM PONGAU, AUSTRIA
Framed by the stunning scenery of St. Johann im Pongau, Austria, Haven Mountain Retreat offers modern ski-in/ski-out apartments for both winter and summer adventurers. Designed by the Höllwart family, the retreat blends sleek Scandinavian design with cozy alpine comfort. Guests can enjoy ski-in/ ski-out access in winter and a variety of outdoor activities year-round, including hiking, biking, and swimming in the picturesque Salzburg Alps. The retreat also features a luxurious spa area with an outdoor infinity pool and saunas, providing relaxation and adventure in every season.
CASA FORTUNATO, ALCÁCER DO SAL, PORTUGAL
Casa Fortunato, situated in Portugal's Alentejo region, is a meticulously restored 100-year-old townhouse villa in Alcácer do Sal. Designed by Filipa and António, it blends curated style, art, and heritage with post-modernist glamour and retro finds. Luxurious suites feature designer furnishings, while the hidden courtyard garden offers a serene escape with a plunge pool. A testament to passion for design and heritage, Casa Fortunato provides guests with a stylish retreat reminiscent of a creative friend's home.
UNDER THE SUN, TÍNOS, GREECE
Under The Sun, a design hotel on Tinos, seamlessly blends into its dramatic cliff-scape surroundings, offering a soulful escape where Aegean blues meet rugged architecture. Camouflaged into the bluff, the hotel provides unique secluded solitude, with sunken buildings cleverly contoured into the rocky hillside. With a focus on the breathtaking view, the low-slung design uses locally crafted Tinian stone to create a sleek yet soothing aesthetic, complemented by raw, paved stone floors and natural linens. Located between the traditional villages of Kardiani and Isternia, Under The Sun offers modern amenities for a relaxing vacation, paying homage to the island's evocative views.
SON BRULL, POLLENÇA, SPAIN
Son Brull Rural Sanctuary in Pollença, Mallorca, seamlessly blends modern luxury with 1700s cloistral heritage, featuring stunning interiors by Barcelona-based studio Forteza + Aparicio. Originally a Jesuit monastery and farmstead dating back to the 12th century, the property underwent meticulous restoration to become a sustainable hotel nestled within a 100-acre farming estate of citrus, olive, and almond groves. Located just 40 minutes from Palma, Son Brull offers a serene retreat surrounded by the picturesque landscape of Pollença, the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range, and the hidden coves of Cap de Formentor. Lead architect Ignacio Forteza's modernist touches harmonize with nature, creating an atmosphere of quiet solace perfect for urban sybarites seeking a blend of foodie delights and wellness experiences. Crafted with passion and reverence, Son Brull Hotel & Spa stands as a soulful luxury refuge in Mallorca.
About The Aficionados
Founded by Iain Ainsworth, THE AFICIONADOS is a travel resource for those seeking fabulous recommendations and accommodation that effortlessly fuses luxury, design and authenticity. It comprises over 90 hotels, designer homes for private hire and guesthouses, from all across Europe and a fabulous outpost in New York, the United States, together with a selection of over 100 creatives who round out the offer of this culture and lifestyle emporium for travel and good living. The Aficionados also publishes five printed magazines: Blueprint Beauts, Farmhouse Fabulous, Casa Gorgeous, Neu
Heritage, and Alchemists of Italy.
