Design Journey #12 - Dreamy holiday homes in Southern Europe
Sharing my wishlist of destinations.
I hope all of you had a great start into the new year. Due to the bank holiday yesterday, this Tuesday feels like my official Monday, so this is why the newsletter comes one day later.
After vacation also means planning the next one or looking into the year and getting an idea where it would be nice to spend some time. As soon as I see somewhere a very nice holiday apartment or hotel, I save it immediately to save researching time at a later stage. And in a lot of cases I choose the holiday home first, and then I see what the region around it has to offer.
So here I share my well kept wishlist of some favorites - where I’ve never been but hopefully will be one day. I focused on some popular countries in Southern Europe, because I think the countries around Germany have so many great options that in spring/summer time it’s not needed to do long distance flights.
In general I love staying at holiday homes that have a true character, and this trait I often find more in apartments or really small hotels instead of the bigger, very popular ones. So let’s dive in:
SWITZERLAND
The Brecon (from 680CHF/night)
From the outside, it might look like just another big mountain hut, but inside, it’s a completely different story. They’ve transformed 18 rooms and 4 suites into a 60s and 70s dream, full of character and charm. I absolutely love the mix of natural materials, warm colors, and the unique objects that make each space feel so special.
Hotel Drei Berge (from 458€/night)
I came across this hotel because I read a while ago that the creative Ramdane Touhami (founder of Officine Universelle Buly 1803) wanted to transform the village of Mürren with his upcoming hotel. Drei Berge is the result of it. Nestled in this picturesque Alpine village, the hotel brings fresh energy to the region, with Touhami’s style balancing nostalgia and a modern twist. I love how he mixes bold colors, graphic patterns, and a playful, almost Parisian edge – it’s not what you’d expect in a traditional mountain setting, and that’s exactly what makes it so exciting. It’s also called a playground for adults.
Maison Dimanche (approx 300€/night for 6 persons)
Most of my friends know my taste well, so one of them sent me this holiday home a while ago, and I instantly fell in love with it. The interior feels so fresh and uplifting, thanks to the bold & harmonious color palette that creates a truly mood-boosting atmosphere. Located right in Geneva, Maison Dimanche is the perfect spot to enjoy a vibrant and inspiring vacation.
ITALY
Palazzo Petrvs (from 320€/night)
This 16th-century building in Orvieto, located two hours north of Rome, has been thoughtfully reimagined into a boutique hotel with nine rooms, a restaurant, and a bar. Palazzo Petrvs’ historic character plays a huge role and adds kind of a natural elegance. The interiors underline the original architecture offering a very serene and timeless setting.
Casa Roverella (from 4000€/week for 6 persons)
If you’re dreaming of sunny days in the Apulian countryside with a group of friends and a house all to yourselves, Casa Roverella might be just the place. I’m drawn to its purity – the clean lines and beautifully minimalistic interior feel so effortless, yet the house offers everything you could need for a perfect escape.
SOUTH FRANCE
Villa Cléo (price unknown)
This villa by art director Marie-Sophie Chardin is definitely a gem directly at the ocean. Especially the sofa fabric is such an eye catcher. From my point of view you can see the love she has put in and that she spends a lot of time there herself that gives it this homy feeling. It’s only available via Instagram message.
Calin Valreas (from 375€/night per person in an apartment for 4)
Calin feels like the perfect French countryside escape in the Provence, tucked away in the charming town of Valréas. The mix of soft, earthy tones and timeless vintage pieces creates a warm and welcoming atmosphere that feels instantly relaxing. It’s a place where you can slow down, soak up the beauty of the surroundings like vineyards, and feel right at home. Behind it is a Belgian family who travelled to this region for more than 20 years until they discovered this spot which was first meant to be a family home. But then they decided this special location has to be shared with many more people.
SPAIN
Casa Clarita Valencia (from 200€/night)
This place, designed by well-known artist Jaime Hayon, instantly feels like a work of art. Just by looking at the pictures, you can almost feel the creativity that went into every detail. Casa Clarita is such a playful mix of color, texture, and bold design choices, yet everything comes together so effortlessly. It’s the kind of space that sparks inspiration and makes you see design in a completely new light.
Son Blanc Menorca (from 240€/night)
Despite the very nice interior, I really like the fact that it is an old farmhouse and the hosts focus on community. It shall not be a luxury vacation, rather making meaningful experiences and connections with others while appreciating the nature around it. Therefore social dinners take place where people are welcome to share their music, art or any kind of ideas. Also the menus concentrate on local ingredients, zero waste, low energy consumption and soulful meals.
Nobis Hotel Palma (from 299€/night)
As a member of Design Hotels, the Nobis Hotel is certainly not an undiscovered gem in Mallorca. However, the building itself holds so much charm, and the interior creates such a warm, inviting atmosphere. It’s especially the perfect destination for enjoying Mallorca during the off-season, when the weather is still mild and the beautiful spa is there to enjoy at its best.
PORTUGAL
Portugal definitely has a special place in my heart. I’ve been there probably 8 times in my life, many times for work factory visits and due to its stunning beaches and option to surf also for vacation. I’ll probably do a Portugal feature in the future too.
Marqi (from 175€/night)
Marqà is just a 45-minute drive from Lisbon, tucked along a winding road at the foot of the mystical Sintra mountains. Once a 1980s mansion, it’s now a private boutique hotel founded by Danish photographer Mikkel Kristensen. The hotel seems full of character, blending mid-century modern charm with 70s nostalgia. It’s a place that invites relaxation and sparks creativity, with vintage furniture and thoughtful details throughout.
Pa.te.os (House from 700€/night for 4 persons)
Pa.te.os was born from a love of time outdoor, traveling, admiring beautiful architecture, and hosting friends. It’s all about disconnecting from the rush of daily life and immersing yourself in a peaceful, laid-back atmosphere. Located in the Alentejo region, about 1.5 hours south of Lisbon, Pa.te.os offers four houses to rent, with a total of seven bedrooms spread across the space. It seems to be the perfect place to escape, relax, and enjoy the simple pleasures of life in a truly serene setting.
In case you’ve been to any of them already, would be great to let me know. Otherwise I hope it inspired you for some trips this year :)
The next newsletter edition will be a recap about the upcoming Paris Design Week. Stay tuned!