Flamingo \ Byron Bay \ Australia

This unique property offers a range of accommodation including a modern 4 bedroom house, a charming 5 bedroom cottage, a private loft-style retreat, and self-contained suites. Surrounded by lush gardens, this jewel has been completely restored, designed to keep the motel's old world charm, but with a distinct modern flare with luxe styling and state of the art amenities and appliances. Located just a short walk from the city center and iconic beaches, the easy living vibe of Flamingo Byron Bay is ideal for a family vacation, romantic retreat or a holiday with friends.

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*Images courtesy of Flamingo Byron Bay and Christie Graham

Casa Cook Rhodes \ Rhodes \ Greece

Located at the base of a craggy mountainside dotted with wildflowers and grazing goats, this tranquil bohemian retreat has the feel of mid-century California with predominantly white buildings accented with exposed stone walls, timber decks, azure pools and silvery olive trees. The ambiance is a fusion of tropical and modern with Mediterranean and nomadic elements - picture taupe sofas with chocolate-hued acapulco chairs, suspended black loungers amidst a cluster of potted palm trees. The wall behind the reception desk is adorned with an elaborate ceramic mural of vibrant parrots, monkeys and jungle palms. This is the newest concept hotel of the Thomas Cook Group, what they call a "boutique hotel with a bohemian spirit", a far cry from the all-inclusive family resorts they are known for.

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*images courtesy of property

Santa Barbara Eco-Beach Resort \ Azores \ Portugal

Located on the north coast of Sao Miguel, the largest of the Azore Islands, sits Santa Barbara Eco-Beach Resort, a contemporary Beach Resort with private villas that enjoy spectacular views of both the mountains and the sea. The 14 villas are modern in design, incorporating dark polished concrete and natural elements such as driftwood, ranging from single rooms with kitchenettes to 2 bedroom villas with private outdoor Jacuzzis. The large outdoor infinity pool disappears into the dark azul waters with private access to the renowned Santa Barabara beach that stretches over 1/2 mile of sand. Whether you are coming for relaxation or adventure, Santa Barbara Eco-Beach Resort is the perfect place to enjoy the spectacular "green island" of the Azores archipeligo.

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*Images courtesy of Jarusha Brown and the property

Villa CP \ Girona \ Spain

Situated in the mountains among unspoiled nature with 180 degree views of Gavarres National Park, this beautifully restored farmhouse (Masia) was completely rebuilt by an acclaimed Barcelona architect as a sustainable modern eco-villa, featuring a natural water pool, uber modern kitchen appliances, and chic decor throughout. The owners have taken great care in making every aspect of the home intuitive and comfortable, perfectly blending the spacious and sleek design of a modern home with rural charm. With 6 bedrooms, it is the ideal vacation home for friends and families, with a balance of contemporary design, sustainable architecture, and that feeling of "getting away from it all". Located just a 20min drive from Girona, it is easily accessible to restaurants and shops, however once you arrive, I don't think you'll be wanting to leave!

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*Images and review by Jocelyn Mandryk

DESIGN FEATURE \ Villa La Semilla

The open living/dining plan allows for unobstructed views of the turquoise waters of Soliman Bay.

Upon visiting this beautiful villa, I realized one thing right away. They get it. They clearly understand what people are looking for, and they know how to package it in the most remarkable way. By ‘they’, I am referring to Alexis Scharer and Angie Rodriguez, the lovely owners of Villa La Semilla and sister property, Hotel La Semilla, in the nearby town of Playa Del Carmen. The brand of La Semilla, the Spanish word for seed, is rooted in simple beauty and simple pleasures, and both properties are representative of that in both the design aesthetic and tranquil feel. With extensive global experience as hoteliers, they created both properties with the specific intention of allowing their guests to take a break from the fast-paced world, encouraging the slow approach to life while reconnecting with the earth, each other and themselves.

The calm, crystal water of Soliman Bay are a nice alternative to the freshwater infinity pool.

All five suites have their own terraces as well as an indoor sitting area.

Tucked behind layers of lush palms on a pristine beach in Soliman Bay, Villa La Semilla, is the perfect place to do just that. With 5 private suites, a rooftop pool and panoramic observation deck, a tropical garden with a fountain and pond, lounge and veranda with an infinity pool that unfolds onto a private beach, the secluded villa has everything, and more, that you could want in a vacation home.

The large outdoor dining area is perfect to enjoy long dinners with family and friends.

Each of the 5 uniquely designed suites feature a terrace, sitting area and large en-suite bathroom. Some rooms cater to guests needing 2 beds, which is ideal for children, while others play host to king size beds.

Rustic wood beams, polished concrete and large open windows create a space that feels luxurious and inviting at the same time.

The feel is bright and airy with light interiors and simple, well-made furnishings, and features a common cooking, dining and living space that is perfect for long, convivial evenings with family and friends—often centered around the outdoor wood-fire oven and grill. An in-house chef is also on-hand to ensure that guests can sample an array of Mexican dishes made with locally sourced ingredients.

Large, comfortable couches are the perfect place to relax when you need a time-out from the sun.

The third-floor Master Suite also has its own plunge pool and large terrace with private outdoor sitting area with incredible views of the turquoise Bay.

The design is reflective of Mexican heritage fused with organic forms; sourcing vintage furniture from Mexican haciendas and handmade mosaic tiles, paired with locally sourced stone and polished concrete. But the real wow factor unique to this villa is the large open floor plan that extends through the living and dining spaces to the sprawling terrace and infinity pool all the way to the crystal blue waters of Soliman Bay.

I loved the beach and pool at Villa La Semilla, but one of my favorite things was to listen to the wind lightly blowing through the palms as I swayed in the hammock...

The view from the panoramic rooftop deck. The perfect place to enjoy sundowners!

From carefully curated vintage finds from flea markets to custom made furniture and soft linens, no detail was overlooked when choosing the furnishings for each room. 

Go ahead, indulge, slow-down, disconnect from your busy life and reconnect with those around you. The moments you spend here, the memories you create, will last a lifetime.

For more info on Villa La Semilla and special hideaways around the world, check out The Perfect Hideaway, a curated collection of design spaces for the savvy traveler. Follow us on instagram and Bloglovin'.

*all photos by The Perfect Hideaway

Coqui Coqui Coba \ Mexico

If you are familiar with the Coqui Coqui Residences, Boutiques and Perfumeries, then you already know that that everything this stylish couple creates is with an intention of sharing something special, more specifically, a lifestyle of understated luxury. To them, it is the ability to connect to nature, to appreciate the feeling of sand under your feet, being able to hear the birds in the morning, smell the natural fragrances in the air, or being able to see a star-studded sky. Their Coba Residence is no exception. Located in the heart of the dense Yucatan jungle on the shore of a tranquil lagoon sits a 4 room retreat with rough-hewn limestone exteriors that blend perfectly into the natural setting. An astute stone staircase runs up the front of each of the two towers, resembling the ancient design of the nearby Mayan temples. Creating an even more majestic feel is a vine-covered rope bridge and 2 turquoise plunge pools. A beach-side location has the crashing waves, but this remote retreat has the sounds of the jungle to lull you into a relaxed state like no other. It is the ultimate jungle hideaway equipped with all the understated luxuries that you require for your perfect getaway.

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*Images via Melissa Gidney Daly

Furnas Lake Villas \ Azores \ Portugal

Based on the owners' love for nature and adventure, the family-owned land graduated from a cattle farm into something much more sustainable, a chic eco-resort comprised of 10 modern villas, set in the stunning volcanic Furnas basin. Inspired by the local rustic granaries that were purposely raised above the humid ground, the rectangle shaped villas are set on a series of low concrete pillars above a tranquil pond with beautiful views of the lush surroundings. The 103 acres of property includes carefully tended gardens, dense woodland, hiking trails, a saltwater pool and stables. Considered one of the boldest tourist and architectural projects on the Island of Sao Miguel, it is more than just a place to stay, but a feast for the eyes, and an experience that will last a lifetime.

For the full listing, click here.

*images via contributor Jarusha Brown