Hotel San Cristóbal by Lake|Flato

Perched on the edge of the Baja Peninsula, Hotel San Cristóbal offers a serene retreat where the desert meets the sea. Just north of Punta Lobos, the hotel is perfectly positioned to capture sweeping views of the deep blue ocean and the rugged Sierra mountains. Designed by Lake|Flato, the architecture blends seamlessly with the natural landscape, using local materials and traditional craftsmanship to create a space that feels both timeless and contemporary.
At the heart of the hotel lies a central courtyard, a welcoming communal space with built-in seating clusters and a sparkling pool, ideal for relaxing under the Mexican sun. Each guest room is crafted to embrace the surrounding beauty – standard rooms feature private porches overlooking the sea and mountains, while sea-facing suites boast outdoor showers and baths with panoramic ocean views. Custom trellises and window awnings provide shade while framing the striking landscape, enhancing both comfort and connection to nature.
The hotel’s thoughtful design extends to every detail, from handmade Mexican furniture to hand-stamped concrete floors inspired by local building traditions. A softly lit library offers a peaceful retreat, while the chapel’s Boveda ceiling, crafted by skilled masons, glows with filtered light through coloured glass. With a commitment to sustainability, native drought-tolerant plants border the property, reflecting Lake|Flato’s philosophy of architecture that is rooted in place, environmentally responsible, and beautifully crafted.

Barefoot Luxury villas by POLO.platform

Situated on the rocky hillsides of Baía de João d’Évora, close to Mindelo, the main city of São Vicente, the Barefoot Luxury villas in Cabo Verde reimagine eco-friendly living by seamlessly combining traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design. This visionary project by Serge Hannecart and Jan Talboom features twelve exclusive villas, each built from the same basalt stone as the surrounding volcanic landscape. With panoramic Atlantic Ocean views, these villas embrace a philosophy of slow living, offering a serene escape that seamlessly integrates with the natural environment.
Designed by POLO.platform, the development prioritises ethical tourism and environmental sensitivity. Each villa is crafted using traditional techniques, with rough concrete and locally quarried basalt forming the foundations and connecting roads. The architecture reflects the surrounding moonscape, with hues of brown, ochre, and red contrasting dramatically against the deep blue sea. African Kotibe wood panels rotate to provide either sweeping ocean views or protection from the valley’s brisk winds.
Each villa is a sanctuary of indoor-outdoor living, featuring private gardens, swimming pools, and open-air kitchens. Interiors, curated by Antwerp-based designers Going East, highlight African heritage through vintage furniture and local artefacts—from shark teeth to Awalé game boards – sourced directly from Mindelo’s markets.
The villas are designed around central patios with shaded pergolas, creating a cooling embrace against the valley’s harsh climate while maximising natural light and breathtaking views. This project exemplifies how sustainability and luxury can coexist – offering an authentic, immersive experience rooted in the cultural and natural identity of Cabo Verde.

Olea All Suite Hotel by Block722

Perched on a lush hillside in Tsilivi, Olea All Suite Hotel on the island of Zakynthos is a serene haven where contemporary design and natural beauty merge effortlessly. Overlooking the verdant landscape, the hotel is centred around a 4,000 sq.m man-made lagoon, with suites and shared spaces organically arranged around its calming waters. This fluid design blurs the lines between private and communal areas, fostering a sense of freedom and tranquillity.
The hotel was designed by Block722, an Athens-based architecture studio founded in 2009 by architect Sotiris Tsergas and interior designer Katja Margaritoglou. Drawing from their Greek and Scandinavian heritage, the studio blends minimalist sophistication with natural materials, creating spaces that feel confident, organic, and timeless. “Our vision was to create a retreat that connects guests with the natural world,” the team explains.
Inspired by Zakynthos' environment – particularly the centuries-old olive trees—the interiors feature earthy hues and organic textures. Plastered walls and stone flooring in soft, muted tones reflect the surrounding terrain, while custom-crafted elements like handmade stone basins elevate the understated elegance. Each suite is a peaceful sanctuary, offering exclusive amenities such as private or shared pools, Jacuzzis, and panoramic views.
The design encourages seamless indoor-outdoor living, promoting relaxation and mindfulness. “We wanted the water to flow naturally throughout the property, creating a sensation of floating,” the architects note. Complementing the soothing atmosphere, the Wellness Spa & Relaxation area offers a range of treatments to rejuvenate the senses.

Spice of Life residence, Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort by Botelho Wood Architects

Set against the majestic Piton Mountains in St. Lucia, Spice of Life is the latest jewel of Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort – an opulent nine-bedroom villa that redefines luxury in the Caribbean. This 35,000-square-foot masterpiece seamlessly blends modern design with the island’s natural beauty, offering unmatched views of the ocean and mountains. Designed by Botelho Wood Architects, the villa’s interiors draw inspiration from its stunning surroundings, featuring locally sourced wood and stone, muted tones, and custom-made furniture to highlight the museum-worthy art collection. Works by iconic artists such as Yayoi Kusama, Salvador Dalí, Banksy, and Anish Kapoor grace the residence, with each space carefully curated to enhance the artwork through thoughtful lighting and architectural design.
Accommodating up to 18 guests, the villa boasts private beach access, a swimming pool, 13 bathrooms, and a private gym with Peloton equipment. Sustainability is woven into every aspect, with solar power, a 50,000-gallon rainwater system, and grey water recycling. Guests enjoy bespoke culinary experiences tailored by Sugar Beach’s private concierge and have access to the resort’s eight dining venues, including Bonte for classic Caribbean cuisine and Saltwood for fine dining.
Beyond its luxurious amenities, Spice of Life offers tailored experiences, from private fitness classes and spa treatments to fireworks displays for special celebrations. Honouring the legacy of Sir Harold Mitchell, the residence reflects his love for Saint Lucia’s culture and community. Combining world-class design, sustainability, and unrivalled luxury, Spice of Life offers an exclusive Caribbean escape like no other.