HOTEL FAVOURITES

Madeira is a lush, mountainous Portuguese island situated in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. It has earned the title of "World's Leading Island Destination" nine consecutive times in the World Travel Awards. Each year, millions of tourists flock to the island, captivated by its stunning landscapes, extensive hiking trails that span over 2,000 kilometers along the irrigation channels (known as levadas), and its mild, pleasant climate. During summer, the island enjoys an average temperature of around 25°C. Believing that the best way to experience Madeira was from a seaside resort — of which there are many — I chose to stay at the five-star Saccharum Resort & Spa in Calheta, approximately 35 kilometers from Funchal, the capital. My goal was to escape the busy tourist spots and fully immerse myself in Madeira's diverse natural beauty. The resort is ideally located on the island’s sunny southwest coast, nestled between the sea and mountains. I eagerly anticipated da...

Katajanokka in Helsinki is renowned for its vibrant restaurant scene and the stunning Uspenski Cathedral. Surrounded by the sea, the area also hosts a bustling passenger harbor. Popular tourist attractions like the SkyWheel, Flying Cinema, and Allas Sea Pool are all located here. Nearby, you’ll find Market Square (Helsinki’s most famous and international market) along with the lush Esplanadi Park and Helsinki Zoo. I love being close to the water, thus this location was perfect for me. When it’s time to leave, the Central Railway Station is just a 20-minute walk away. Solo Sokos Hotel Pier 4 Solo Sokos Hotel Pier 4 in Katajanokka is the newest addition to Helsinki’s hotel scene, designed by Anttinen Oiva Architects. I was immediately drawn to its striking wood architecture when it opened on August 26, 2024. The hotel aims to offer a multi-sensory nature experience, unlike anything previously seen in Finnish hotels .  I felt privileged to be among the first guests to experience ...

Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, was a city I knew very little about until this visit. Nevertheless, for the past few years, I've had my eye on the five-star Hotel PACAI, a member of the international group of Design Hotels, located in the heart of Vilnius's Old Town. As I contemplated the best way to celebrate my 40th birthday, I booked a stay at this remarkable hotel. The hotel is surrounded by numerous museums, churches, shops, restaurants, and inviting cafes, so I anticipated an amazing weekend ahead. Renowned as the most magnificent mansion in the Grand Duchy of Lithuania (from the 13th century to the late 18th century), the stately building of Hotel PACAI has been renovated back to its former glory, thanks to the efforts of a passionate team of local architects and designers. The palatial hotel opened in 2018. The designers aimed to keep the history visible in this former Baroque building, and I loved the fact that existing frescoes and unique textures of the walls were...