Local hideaways: the Ultimate Collection 2015

The ultimate Collection

2015

Psst, don’t spread the word!

www. localhideaways. com

December 21, 2015

Sometimes you wish you can turn back time or even better that you can stop the clock from ticking… just to hold that special moment or to capture your precious encounters.

I have experienced this several times this year, during my inspiring travels but also in my personal life. Of course it’s a cliché but hey that’s what clichés are for, and it made me realize

again that life is too short to waste, you have to cease it: carpe diem! So don’t postpone travelling to your dream destination, just go for it and start planning now!

Hopefully I can inspire you with my stories to explore the world, Local Hideaways style!

And there is so much more to come… for instance some lovely new Local Hideaways in Spain and adventure is on it’s way with a new destination on the LH website: Panama!

Read my Local Hideaways stories, blogs and book your stay on www.localhideaways.com. For insider tips and news stay tuned to the social media channels:

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Happy travelling 2016! Mrs. Local Hideaways

Spain

Monn àber Vell – Campanet, Mallorca A beautiful rural retreat, where only the sounds of the chirping birds and the bells of the sheep will awake you. Recharge your battery near the pool or in the spa. Trekkings can be made through the magnificent Sierra Tramuntana at your doorstep or enjoy the nearby local villages and the sea... all closeby.

Cases de Son Barbassa–Capdepera, Mallorca A luxurious Hideaway at the relatively unspoiled east coast of Mallorca. Contemporary rooms, a lovely pool and a very good restaurant make this place the perfect getaway from it all. Fine beaches and the lovely towns Artà and Capdepera are also very closeby.

Cort Hotel – Palma, Mallorca The perfect mix of beach and urban entertainment… Palma has it all. And when you’re tired of all the impressions and Spanish city life, all you have to do is retreat to your elegant Hideaway….the best of both worlds comes together in the lovely Hotel Cort! Added bonus is their own contemporary restaurant and bar.

Portixol Hotel – Palma, Mallorca Palma has the best of both worlds… a bustling city life and the sea! In addition to the perfect city hotel, I was therefore looking for a Local Hideaway by the sea. And I found Portixol Hotel. A bit further away from the centre, but consequently more spacious and more quietly located. A contemporary hotel in stylish Scandinavian minimalist design.

Hotel V – Andalusia, Spain Tucked away in one of the small streets of beautiful white washed village Vejer de la Frontera you find a distinguished, contemporary hotel hidden behind a snow-white façade. Once entered, you are in another world: an oasis of tranquility and well-being.

Corral del Rey – Seville, Spain Corral de Rey is an absolute recommendation and an urban oasis in busy Seville. The perfect place for a luxurious city trip for two or, even better, in combination with its sister hotel Hacienda de San Rafael.

Hacienda San Rafael – Andalusia, SpainThere are some Hideaways you never want to leave, Hacienda de San Rafael is one of those. A beautiful restored Spanish estate where you can unwind but also explore the beautiful Andalusian area. Perfect in combination with it's sister hotel Corral del Rey.

Hostal sa Rascassa – Begur, Spain Tucked away above one of the small idyllic bays, just an hour and a half drive from Barcelona you will find a true hidden gem between the pines, only 5 rooms available, as well as a great restaurant, the ocean and other than that…. pure tranquility!

Italy

Cibele Bed & Breakfast - Rome, Italy Cibele B&B is your perfect starting point to explore Rome. Situated in Rione Monti, Rome's oldest and nowadays most creative and vibrant area. This is a great comfortable place to stay (only 3 rooms) and owner Giuseppe is a perfect host, who can recommend you all the favourite places. But... don't spread the word!

CasaCau – Rome, Italy A very special and different Local Hideaway, admittedly in the higher segment but, if your budget allows it, a lovely and contemporary home away from home in Rome. Owner Pino is, against the classical and traditional tides and currents, bold enough to stick his neck out in this wonderful Metropolis!

Buonanotte Garibaldi – Rome, Italy This Local Hideaways is a tiny oasis of tranquility in busy Trastevere Rome. Hidden behind a large door you will find only 3 rooms and a lovely patio with beautiful plants and flowers. The house belongs to Luisa Longo, a fiber art painter, and her creative signature can be found in the rooms and in the common spaces.

Masseria Cervarolo – Puglia, Italy A beautiful old Masseria which is restored into an outrageously pretty accommodation. And always wanted to sleep in a traditional Puglian Trullo…. this is your chance. Tranquil and rustic atmosphere with super friendly staff is what makes the difference at this lovely Local Hideaway!

Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita - Italy I traveled the world but never before had I slept in a cave… ‘Mind-blowing’ was the first thing that came to mind when I arrived at this unique Hideaway situated in 'must visit' Matera. Luxury and authenticity are perfectly balanced and provide a unique experience.

Borgo Valle Rita – Puglia, Italy This magnificent old estate with large working farm is situated on the border of two interesting Italian regions: diverse Puglia and diamond in the rough Basilicata. At this Hideaway you can experience the authentic Italian countryside.

Masseria Torre Coccaro – Puglia, Italy Surrounded by ancient old olive groves and a stone’s throw away from the Adriatic Sea a white tower looms up. It’s the old watchtower of Masseria Coccaro. I couldn’t have timed my arrival more perfectly, for afternoon sunlight casts a golden glow on this grand old Masseria.

Masseria Torre Maizza – Puglia, Italy A luxurious Hideaway in Puglia with fine dining; a beautiful golf course; a heated pool; an Aveda spa and spacious modern designed rooms. Perfect place for R&R and to explore the divers area: from ancient towns to the coast, it’s all nearby!

La Tana del Riccio – Puglia, Italy Live like a local in a small town in the Salento area – Puglia. It’s the real deal with neighbours having their domestic conversations… Italian style and a sleepy square in front of the church. This townhouse is beautifully restored and has all the modern cons. A perfect and affordable place to explore the region!

Palazzo Guglielmo – Puglia, Italy A wonderful surprise is hidden behind the façade of a monumental building in a small town in the Salento area - Puglia! A beautifully restored 18th century palazzo – a former patrician house – and an enormous hidden garden: this is Palazzo Guglielmo.

Thailand

Baan Pra Nond – Bangkok, Thailand Finding a Local Hideaway in the overcrowded metropolis of Bangkok is a nice challenge. For this city (population almost 9 million) is for the main part dominated by large hotels, hardly suitable for the Local Hideaways concept. But I found a lovely charming Bed & Breakfast, with only 8 rooms, located centrally in the city centre.

Salad Hut – Koh Phangan, Thailand I think I have found the perfect remedy for stress; it’s on Koh Phangan in the Haad Salad bay. Twelve huts, a gorgeous bay; a great restaurant; a small pool; Thai massage…. What’s the problem? You might not want to leave.

Cambodia

Tamu Hotel – Otres2 Beach, Cambodia Not many people are aware that Cambodia has some beautiful beaches that are not to be missed. This deliciously stylish, but also laid-back, beach hotel is a definite trendsetter in Otres Beach, Sihanoukville. One of those places that, as soon as you get there, make you wonder “why haven’t I booked here for longer?”.

Rainbow Lodge – Tatai, Cambodia An ecolodge in Cambodia where nature is still relatively unspoiled and time seems to have stood still…. quietly, the Tatai River meanders through the beautiful scenery. On top of that, the Rainbow Lodge is a splendid accommodation without sacrificing comfort. But what makes it especially wonderful is the genuine kindness of the local staff.

Pavillon d’Orient – Siem Reap, Cambodia At Pavillon d’Orient everything is just right, from the overwhelmingly friendly service to its colonial and tropical ambiance and comfortable rooms. And with your personal tuk-tuk driver you easily visit the town of Siem Reap or the magnificent temples of Angkor Wat. At this lovely place it's all about the details!

Viroth’s Hotel – Siem Reap, Cambodia Viroth's hotel is a brand new contemporary design hotel in Siem Reap, Cambodia. The owners are trend-setters in the city and they have created with this Local Hideaway a tranquil and utmost comfortable retreat. It's almost hard to leave this place but Angkor Wat is waiting for you to visit!

The Kabiki – Phnom Penh, Cambodia If you’re in Cambodia, you simply have to visit its capital Phnom Penh, which is, although hectic, an incredible city, and a fascinating mix of old and new. I found you the perfect base from which to discover the city. The French colonial atmosphere and the large garden with its lush vegetation are a lovely haven after a day of sightseeing. Very kidsfriendly!

The Netherlands

The Duke Hotel –Den Bosch, The Netherlands The Duke is a real asset for Den Bosch, not only because of its gorgeous and original decoration, but especially because of the ambitious entrepreneurship displayed by the young owners and their staff. They represent a new movement and have a cosmopolitan view of how to run their hotel, displaying a keen eye for detail!

Stroom – Rotterdam, The Netherlands A place up-and-coming Lloyd district that is alive with urban energy and that makes you instantly feel at home. Comfortable design rooms and a vibrant restaurant/bar/bakery/fresh food shop/… is the beating heart of STROOM Rotterdam.

SuiteHotel Pincoffs - Rotterdam, Netherlands Located in a historic old custom house in the middle of a vibrant new area in Rotterdam. The hotel still oozes an atmosphere of times past, impressively mixed with a contemporary interior. Small, personal and homey are the keywords for this wonderful city hotel.

Vesper Hotel – Noordwijk, The Netherlands The first boutique hotel right on the beach in Noordwijk - the Netherlands is a real treat. Tasteful and cosmopolitan, this hotel is un-Dutch. Perfect for a stay in any season to enjoy the North Sea coast and/or nearby cities like Amsterdam or The Hague.

De Lochemse Berg – Achterhoek, Netherlands Get away from it all in one of Holland’s most beautiful parts of nature "De Achterhoek". Just 10 rooms and lot's of communal space with cosy nooks. Besides a lovely stay this is the perfect place for foodies and wine connoisseurs.

Mary K Hotel – Utrecht, The Netherlands An unusual and smart hotel with only 9 rooms at an A-location on the beautiful Oudengracht canal in Utrecht. At Mary K Hotel you are genuinely welcomed and treated as a respected guest. Besides that it's also very eco friendly! A perfect base to explore this city.

Frankrijk Noord – Zeeland, The Netherlands Beautifully situated in Zeeland, the most south-western part of Holland, you will find this Dutch “chambres et tables d’hôtes” (or B&B), lovingly called “France-North” by its sympathetic and determined owners Lille and Edith.

Hello I’m Local – Haarlem, The Netherlands This is an unique concept in downtown Haarlem. It's not only personal and it got the homey feeling but above all it proves that hostels can be stylish and comfortable. Different kind of rooms, there is something to suit everyone's needs.

Morocco

Riad Anata – Fez, Morocco Hidden in the maze of small alleys – the medina (old city) of Fez, is a beautifully restored traditional house. This is where Valérie created her ‘dream house’: a small guesthouse with only five lovely rooms. Very attentive employees make you stay extra memorable!

Hotel Sahrai – Fez, Morocco This luxury hotel in Fez offers the best of both worlds; space and tranquillity, because it is located just outside the busy city, while at the same time being only ten minutes away from the maze-like old Medina. Perfect for some serious R&R in combination with a citytrip.

Riad N° 9 – Fez, Morocco This guesthouse in the medina of Fez is full of the nicest and most beautiful details…. A touch of the Colonial, a little bit of the odd, a dash of the Orient and a generous portion of the Exotic, what a magnificent collection and in such harmony with the entire atmosphere of the house. Another bonus: the best restaurant of Fez is next door!

Palais Amani – Fez, Morocco A blissful oasis in the busy medina - old city - of Fez with only 14 rooms. Unusual for this location is the enchanting inner garden with fruit trees, chirping birds and a splashing fountain. But you also can set yourself on the spectacular roof terrace or unwind in the hammam.

Irocha – High Atlas, Morocco Escape to nature in this wonderful small Local Hideaway. Showpiece at Irocha is their terrace with the most beautiful views of the area. Great food, lovely bedrooms, a refreshing pool and above all the best place to explore the area and get acquainted with the berber way of life.

DarZahia – Taroudant, Morocco In the lovely city of Taroudant you will find yourself a home away from home. It's even better than home while this extraordinary Local Hideaway is so beautifully designed with an enormous eye for detail. Furthermore it's an oasis of tranquility, serenity and hospitality.

Dar al Hossoun – Taroudant, Morocco Just a 50 minute drive from Agadir Airport you find a little piece of paradise. An amazingly landscaped 'hidden' garden which oozes beauty and tranquility. Dar al Hossoun is a perfect retreat to recharge your battery and to explore the fascinating surroundings.

Baoussala – Essaouira, Morocco The perfect rural retreat a stone's throw away from the vibrant fishing village Essaouira. Only 6 suites, a refreshing pool and homemade cooking, this is the place to finish all those books you haven’t gotten around to reading lately.

Dar 91 – Essaouira, Morocco Hidden in a part of the medina as yet undiscovered by tourists you find a true Local Hideaway in every sense of the word: here daily life unfolds right in front of you. 2 Apartments and 1 studio, a wonderful place to experience the ambiance of Essaouira!

Riad Baladin – Essaouira, Morocco As soon as the door closes behind you, you enter a different world: an oasis of tranquillity and serenity that makes you forget completely that, in fact, you are in quite a busy town. A natural décor is a welcome change from all the colourful Moroccan adornments.

Les Deux Tours – Marrakech, Morocco Close to Marrakech you will find another world. A retreat set in a magical secret garden. Les Deux Tours is a great mixture of the grandeur of the French Riviera and the exotic feeling of the African continent. This is the perfect place to have yourself spoiled!

Turkey

4Reasons Hotel+Bistro, Turkey This lovely boho chic hotel in the peaceful hills above Yalikavak, Turkey, offers sweeping views of the bay. With bright and spacious rooms it's a perfect place for a relaxing holiday whether you travel with your family or as a couple. On top of that it has one of the best restaurants in the area on site.

Taş Otel – Alaçati, Turkey A charming boutique hotel owned by a trendsetting lady who also transformed Alaçati in one of Turkey's most beautiful towns. The garden with pool is an oasis of tranquility and the 8 bright and romantic rooms are a delight. And there's always the sea... less than two miles away!

Turan Hill Lounge – Kabak, Turkey Special warning…. I have discovered a hidden Bay in Turkey with an enchanting Hideaway. Before you continue reading, promise me you will tell absolutely no one about this place! This is a Local Hideaway in the truest sense of the word. And the surroundings certainly add to this, so indescribably beautiful!

Azur Hotel – Cirali, Turkey This beautiful natural place in Cirali, Turkey, is such a wonderful example of a Local Hideaway where authenticity makes all the difference and where your holiday will be truly wonderful (especially with children)! So forget all those large impersonal resorts and come and enjoy the true Turkish hospitality at the Azur Hotel!

France

Les Petites Maisons dans la Prairie-France Wow, I am yet again completely in awe of a wonderful place... seven idyllic cottages spread around the vast fields and lands of a working farm in Brittany, the beautiful Cote d’Armor is a stone's throw away. It’s a lovely Hideaway for any season….life’s good ‘dans la prairie’!

Castelnau des Fieumarcons – France Always wanted to rent a whole 12th century medieval fortified township without any loss of comfort? This is your chance. As you enter through the big stone porch you step back in time and feel like a king or queen for a day in your own village!

Le Chemin du Jardin Haut – France An old villa in the hills above the attractive small town of Villemagne L’Argentière. The accommodation is well appointed and a great base to explore the beautiful area. The perfect place to experience the French Joie de Vivre!

L’Esprit du Port – Normandy, France This comfortable and stylish designed Hideaway makes you and your family instantly feel at home in a authentic Norman fishing village. Everywhere you look charming nautical details, which are selected with great care, catch your eye and put a smile on your face.

La Cabane des Pêcheurs – Normandy, France This is the perfect Local Hideaway for a romantic break in an authentic small Norman fishing village. Very comfortable and stylish, I am afraid you will not want to leave, but that would mean missing out on the wonderful surroundings!

La Maison Matelot – Normandy, France Three apartments in a beautiful nostalgic building, tucked away in a small alley….A genuine Local Hideaway. Perfect to experience life in an authentic Norman fishing village! Whether you stay for the weekend or longer, you really will enjoy this spacious and comfortable place.

La Vie de Cocagne – Normandy, France Life is sweet in Normandy, especially if you stay in la Vie de Cocagne. The house is beautifully decorated and has a high standard of comfort. This is the perfect home away from home 'à la campagne' and a great place to explore the area.

Le Caillau – Lot, France Rebuilt old winery set in the middle of the Cahors vineyards. Restaurant, atelier and one comfortable gîte perfectly suited for contemporary lifestyle without doing harm to the history and charm of the old building. Also very child friendly.

Greece

Villa Ippocampi – Crete, Greece Villa Ippocampi is a small oasis. From the moment you enter the porch, you step into another world where you can unwind and enjoy your holidays. The personal attention and tips of the owners is what really makes the difference here.

Milia Mountain Retreat – Crete, Greece This small eco paradise is a real Local Hideaway! Maybe not for the true beach babes and boys, but just for the more adventurous and outdoorsy type of person. People also come from near and far just for the restaurant which serves delicious organic gourmet food.

White River Cottages – Crete, Greece White River Cottages is a good example of how to turn authentic old run-down houses into a lovely, attractive and contemporary accommodation without doing harm to the original style and natural surroundings.

Kalyvitis – Crete, Greece During one of my last days in Crete I was told about a possible Local Hideaway in the south-east, near Koutsouras. I could only come to one conclusion: Kalyvitis is so different and authentic at the same time. A location where everything falls into place!

Kamares Houses – Crete, Greece In my search for the perfect Local Hideaway, it’s always such a thrill as I arrive at the destination and it’s just like I expected it to be, or, even better. That’s also the case with Kamares Houses: a beautiful old Venetian house.

Mauritius

Lakaz Chamarel - Mauritius This is a one of those places that feels like a fairytale. Hidden in the lush green valley of Chamarel, locally owned and comprising of 20 rooms, ranging from standard to spacious garden pool suites. Or their latest addition, the sea view pool suites.

Germany

Almodóvar Hotel – Berlin, Germany The perfect place to recharge your battery and start exploring Berlin: Almodóvar Hotel. This remarkable and innovative hotel displays a perfect combination between ethics and esthetics. Eco has never been so trendy!

Linnen – Berlin, Germany Staying at Linnen feels like you’re visiting with friends. Only 4 beautiful appointed rooms and 1 suite. If you need more space they also rent out lovely apartements. The wonderful ground floor café offers a great range of drinks and food.

Michelberger Hotel – Berlin, Germany This hotel is the embodiment of Berlin: a creative, social, alternative and modern melting pot. Not a standard hotel but rather the result of a group of friends and soul mates giving shape to their ideas! A place to gather for those of us who are young at heart and unconventional.

Portugal

Casa Arte – Algarve, Portugal This casa definitely has the wow-factor, with so much care and sense of style they created a harmonious unity. Your room is filled with the most awesome designer stock and art is hanging at the walls about everywhere… and the fun part: the art is all for sale!

Cooking and Nature Hotel – Portugal This hotel is a wonderful and innovative concept, tastefully integrating playful modern design into the natural surroundings, while still maintaining an intimate atmosphere. Situated in a stunning area which is not yet discovered by too many people.

Monte da Fornalha – Alentejo, Portugal A small lush oasis in one of Portugal's prettiest and fairly undiscovered regions: the Alentejo. The perfect place to unwind and explore the surroundings, whether you are with the two of you or celebrating your family holiday. Paradise found!

6Only – Porto, Portugal This small and contemporary B&B is bang in the middle the lovely and diverse city of Porto. The personality of your charming host Mariana makes the difference here. She will be able to tell you exactly where to go and what not to miss - the perfect cityguide is the owner herself!

Casa dos Castelejos – Alentejo, Portugal Tucked away in a small hamlet in the Alentejo you will find this special place – a home away from home, If you are looking for peace and quiet and an authentic Portuguese experience, this is the place to go. And, believe me, this kind of Hideaway is quite unique!

Vilacampina – Algarve, Portugal Situated in the most authentic part of the Algarve, east of Faro, you will find a modern oasis of tranquillity: Vilacampina. Modern lounge style (Ibiza chic) is the pleasant atmosphere it breathes and this forms an exciting contrast to the rural setting.

Quinta do Vallado – Douro, Portugal This wine hotel 2.0 is situated in the enchanting Douro valley. Staying here is a true experience with award winning wines, gourmet food, lovely comfortable rooms, striking views and rest & relaxation... the perfect place for toasting the good life!

Fazenda Nova – Algarve, Portugal Local Hideaways has found you the perfect antidote for stress! At Fazenda Nova you can unwind in very comfortable, tranquil and private surroundings. Urban style meets rural setting: all 10 rooms are equally contemporary, stylish and comfortable.

Belgium

HAPPY Guesthouse - Brussels, Belgium A perfect and small guesthouse bang in the city centre of Brussels. Only 4 bright and contemporary rooms and a lovely common area. Owner Sophie makes your stay extra memorable by creating a homey feeling and by providing great tips to explore Brussels.

Aplace – Antwerp, Belgium A wonderful home away from home on a hidden square at a prime location in Antwerp. The hospitable owner created with her beautiful "objets trouvés" a quirky and comfortable Hideaway. Do you need more space? Book one of the two apartments.

Maison Nationale – Antwerp, Belgium It's all about location... bang in the middle of Antwerp you will find this beautiful Local Hideaway. Where old meets new: old elements of the 1896's house are mixed with modern design. Spacious and more than comfortable, it's almost hard to leave your room!

Pantone Hotel – Brussels, Belgium This hotel is the perfect trendy place for a city break that will leave you feeling energized! Perfect location in the heart of Brussels, friendly staff, great rooms and breakfast....and colours, lots of colour!

Hotel Bloom ! – Brussels, Belgium While this is quite a big hotel, it’s worth mentioning because of its unique format. Each room is one of a kind, designed by one of 287 young European artists…what a great initiative! This is a funky and artistic city hotel.

Hotel Julien – Antwerp, Belgium In the heart of Antwerp, hidden behind authentic, big doors you will find an urban oasis. The 22 luxurious and contemporary rooms are accommodated over two connected historical buildings and are a perfect base for a romantic break for two.

Vintage Hotel – Brussels, Belgium A few steps from the famous shopping street Avenue Louise you find this quirky small hotel. Only 29 rooms and one original American Airstream trailer in its courtyard characterizes this lovely old mansion…. Feels like glamping in the city!

USA

Tower 23 Hotel – San Diego, USA A luxurious and contemporary hotel right on the San Diego beach is in itself unique, you will not find many of these types of accommodations right on the Californian coastline. Tower 23 is a vibrant urban beach hotel with 6 types of rooms.

Desert Pearl Inn – Utah, USA The saying “it’s all about location” definitely applies to this place. At the southwest entrance of Zion National Park, surrounded by impressive red rock formations and at the banks of the Virgin River this hotel offers 73 spacious rooms and suites.

Psst, don’t spread the word!

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© Local Hideaways 2015