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Culture

The Most Romantic Hotels in the World, According to Top Designers

February 5, 2020

We all need to get away from time to time to reconnect and reset with that special someone. So we asked a few of our designer friends to share their most cherished destinations for romance, relaxation and simply escaping from it all.

Anton Anger, Studio Tack

Hotel Villa Casalecchi is set amidst the verdant rolling hills of Tuscany.

Hotel Villa Casalecchi; Castellina in Chianti, Italy: “The 18-room hotel is built on 500-year-old ruins overlooking sprawling vineyards in the Tuscan countryside: hand-hewn beams flow into plaster walls, hand-painted motifs decorate the dining room’s wall panels, and each room is uniquely decorated with antique pieces. It’s almost anti-design because nothing was sourced, and it feels as though it’s just always existed. Plus, the building has settled into its landscape in an unbelievably romantic way: overgrown in the right areas, no obsession with perfectly sealed windows, blackout shades or loading a room up with amenities. It feels very much like the film The Secret Garden—the sense of ancient-ness is deeply alluring and the perfect setting for true love. And it’s where I proposed to my partner four years ago!”

Ken Fulk, Ken Fulk Inc.

The interior of the cabin at Manka’s Inverness Lodge.Victoria Lewis

Manka’s Inverness Lodge; West Marin, CA: “Nestled into the nearby hills of the village Inverness sits Manka’s, the remnants of an old hunting lodge, where you can stay in an ultra luxurious yet delightfully rustic cabin. Or, if you’re in the mood for an extra splurge, book the boathouse which juts far out into Tomales Bay. I honeymooned here and daydream of when I might return next. Be sure to make time for dinner at the Sir & Star, their charming and delicious restaurant just a few miles down the road.”

 

Katie Logan LeBlanc & Jensen Killen, LKI Studios

Sunrise on the Field Rooms at Los Poblanos.

Los Poblanos Historic Inn and Organic Farm; Los Ranchos de Albuquerque, NM: “Los Poblanos relaxes you the moment you arrive. A bit outside of town, beautiful gardens set the mood and the smell of lavender surrounds you,” Logan LeBlanc says. “Wonderful architecture and dreamy interiors, a lazy pool, and an intimate restaurant are all you need,” Killen adds.

Martyn Lawrence Bullard, Martyn Lawrence Bullard Design

The stunning view of the Mediterranean from the terrace at Villa Tre Ville.

Villa Tre Ville; Positano, Italy: “Once home to Franco Zeffirelli and originally designed by the great master Renzo Mongiardino, the hotel (actually a suite of villas) is the epitome of romance. The alcoved reception room with its Venetian mirrors, mercury glass Sicilian chandeliers and white-on-white tile work set off with white cotton upholstery embroidered with small mirrors in the Indian harem style—it’s all a confection of laid back exoticism. Then there are the views across the Mediterranean from its orange-and-lemon-tree-clad terraces … a complete dream in every sense and to all the senses.”

Ashley Gillen, Paul Duesing Partners

Twilight descends upon the beachfront pool and restaurant at Las Ventanas al Paraiso.Tony Guyton

Las Ventanas al Paraiso; San José del Cabo, Mexico: “I think it’s the privacy of the resort that allows romance to take over. Las Ventanas is one of those places where you want to sleep with the doors open to hear the waves crashing outside, light the fire in your room at night, and enjoy the privacy of your own plunge pool during the day. A resort that gives you the ability to not have to leave your room definitely sets the scene for romance!”

Will Cooper, ASH NYC

Looking out at the tranquil bay at Goldeneye resort, the one-time home of James Bond creator Sir Ian Fleming. See the story at gq.co.uk.

GoldenEye Resort; Oracabessa Bay, Jamaica: “Quiet and low key, it’s an easy tropical escape without all the pomp and circumstance. The rooms are super comfy and the activities (and non-activities!) plentiful.”