From a fishing port on the outskirts of Amsterdam to the idyllic landscapes of Tuscany, escaping from routine and connecting with the land is the highest form of luxury.
Few things compare to the healing effect of spending time in natural surroundings. Waking up to the sound of the waves, breakfasting on orange juice harvested from the orchards that surround the house, or taking a refreshing dip in the sea on a hot summer’s afternoon are essential elements in a restorative and wholly relaxing stay at the countryside properties of The Aficionados. Here, the generosity of the land comes together with a passion for design, architecture, food and—above all—the good life.
Five select properties, each with its own personality and a carefully curated and developed concept, offer the opportunity to reimagine the idea of a country getaway. Whether it is contemplating the vineyards of Umbria or drinking in the sun in Mallorca, the only requirement is to leave behind the frenzy of everyday life, and instead fall into the rhythms marked by nature, which moves at its own pace.
Vocabolo Moscatelli– Italy
A land of rich Umbrian history and rural tradition whispered through ancient oak forests, gnarled vineyards and Mediterranean landscaping is the backdrop to 12th century monastery-turned design hotel Vocabolo Moscatelli. A sensory solace, the evocative surrounds resonate with sun-warmed lavender, pine and rosemary, colliding with the grace and sacral beauty of the chunky, 800-year-old monastery walls. Notably, Vocabolo Moscatelli only has a mere 12 bedrooms, each a sizeable space, creates a remarkable sense of exclusivity for the lucky few – an access all areas to that covetable dolce vita.
Son Brull Rural Sanctuary– Spain
After a long and considerate restoration, Son Brull is a sustainable, eco-conscious hotel wrapped amongst the citrus, olive, almond groves and vineyards of the 100-acre farming estate. Son Brull is an easy drive towards the north of Mallorca (about 40 mins from Palma) in the region known as the agricultural anchor of Mallorca, located picturesquely sandwiched between Pollença, the Serra de
Tramuntana mountain range and the lovely hidden coves of Cap de Formentor. The Son Brull Hotel & Spa Pollença, Mallorca - crafted by a family with passion and deep respect for the island, creating a chilled luxury refuge of soul and reverence.
Follonico – Italy
Follonico is a boutique Tuscan farmhouse close to Montefollonico and Montepulciano that is both serene and sensual, cleverly narrating the simple rural rhythms of a slow countryside Italian lifestyle. This once-forgotten aged farmhouse, now lovingly preserved, is brimming with a curatorial interior design of salvage, vintage, worn imperfection and a splash of romantic escapism. This is a wonderfully curated rural escape for those seeking sanctuary in Tuscany, ideal for the lovers of the slow lane life and for those who appreciate the crafts, good food, and space to chill.
De Durgerdam– Netherlands
Reached by water or land, De Mark is another world, a house-hotel and restaurant nesting in a lakeside sweet spot of IJmeer Lake - a place of style and the good things in life, done properly. It's a seductive mix firmly rooted in Durgerdam that feels at ease, at home, a place that hums with chatter in a world of blustery lakeside charm, soulful food and gorgeously natural interiors. Deeply expressive of its environment, De Durgerdam is your maritime refuge, where the only distractions are the birds, the washing lines rippling in the breeze and the scudding boats that dot the horizon.
Inis Meáin – Ireland
A chance for freedom, independence and encompassing raw nature, Inis Meáin Island Stays is flawlessly set up for that curated yet isolated island experience. Set on a lichen-weathered limestone promontory demarcated by stone walling and facing the restless blue-grey North Atlantic Ocean, the Inis Meáin Island Stay is all about island life, elemental landscapes and connection to nature. Crafted as a signatory island retreat that is as honest and simple as the beauty of the island itself, Inis Meáin Island Stays have a natural barren beauty that gets under your skin.
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 six printed magazines: Blueprint Beauts, Farmhouse Fabulous, Casa Gorgeous, Neu Heritage, Alchemists of Italy, and Eclectic Rebels.
