At Follonico hotel in Tuscany, an ancient typewriter graces a dressing table, a wedding dress hangs on a wall, crockery is playfully mismatched, and shots of vivid colour vie with the green, green countryside.

This beautifully restored 200-year-old farmhouse is hidden away in a Tuscan valley with panoramic views of astonishing countryside. The hotel only has six rooms with stone wall and exposed beams, all very charmingly decorated. The French windows give views on the vineyards, olive groves and picturesque hilltop villages.

There is plenty to do in and around the hotel. You can ask the owners to organise a cookery class. Suzanne and Fabio are also more than happy to help arrange an impromptu picnic in the grounds, and will provide cutlery and crockery.

The Val D’Orcia region contains the hill town of Montalcino (renowned for its Brunello wine) and Pienza, a World Heritage Cultural Landscape and impressively preserved Renaissance town. Montepulciano has won global acclaim for its wonderful red wines; Montefollonico is worth exploring for its mediaeval architecture. Siena is only 30–45 minutes away, and is famous for its art galleries, museums, restaurants and historic architecture.

Click here for more information, reviews, rates and bookings.

Capri Suite is contemporary resort hotel with only two rooms, located in the ancient village of Anacapri, on the Italian island of Capri. The hotel was originally part of the St. Micheles’ convent built in the XVII century and is designed by Italian architectural firm Zetastudio.

Capri Suite combines iconic items of modern design and 17th century architecture. In the living room, the massive stone walls and exposed vaults seem to have been purpose-built to display photographer Luciano Romano’s images; the skeletal iron constructions by Sicilian sculptor Antonino Sciortino; and Paolo Piva’s steel and glass coffee tables.

The two bedrooms feature 19th century beds dressed with bright blue and yellow linen by Livio de Simone.

Capri Suite is all about luxury. Breakfast is available at any time of the day, and for lunch or dinner, you can hire a personal chef. Boat trips, scooter rental and tours with a personal shopper are just some of the services provided on request.

The hotel is conveniently located in the heart of the ancient village of Anacapri, not far from all the wonders of Capri. Beaches are close by as well

Above is the ‘blue room’ and below you can see the ‘yellow suite’.

The rooms have ultra modern bathrooms with fabulous free-standing anthracite resin showers. In the larger, “superior suite” there is a small pool in which to soothe away the day.

For more information and bookings you can visit Capri Suite’s website.

Dar Kawa is a beautiful five-star accommodation in the heart of the Marrakech medina. The old riad has been restored together with Belgian architect Quentin Wilbaux. The owner, Valerie Barkowski, looked for a way to combine the house’s seventeenth-century Saadian architecture with modern comfort and style, bringing the house firmly into the twenty-first century.

Only traditional materials were used for the restoration and the basic structure of the house was left intact. The decor is deliberately simple, yet authentic, with great attention paid to details, quality and service.

Designed with a blend of traditional Morocco and contemporary international style. Simple yet not sparing, the rooms are comfortable, large and immaculate.

Most of the house is painted in an off-white color with a shade of grey for woodwork and tadelakt.

Nice detail: most of the fabrics, linnen and curtains came from Valerie’s (the owner) own collection.

For more information about Dar Kawa and rates or availability you can visit Dar Kawa’s website.

Dar Rafti is a beautiful restored riad in the exotic city of Fez in Morocco. The stunningly decorated riad is owned by the jewellery designers of Bouvier.

During a visit to Morocco the Australian couple fell in love with the rich culture and colours, the fabulous food and beautiful, generous people in this mystical part of the world. This trip ultimately led to the purchase and restoration of an ancient residence in Fez situated right in the heart of the city’s bustling medina.

Dar Rafti welcomes guests as self-contained accommodation, and comes complete with directions to local attractions including shopping, restaurants and contacts to guides to ensure a whole and authentic Moroccan experience.

You can see more images here on the website of Dar Rafti. For more information you can contact info@darrafti.com.

Alemagou is a bar and restaurant set beautifully on the sands of Ftelia Beach on the Greek island of Mykonos. The concept is holistic, with every element of the project telling a common story and coming together to create an inspirational yet laid-back atmosphere, perfectly suited to the site.

The menu revisits traditional, well-loved Greek recipes to produce simple but intriguing new dishes. The cocktails and the music selection also offer new combinations of favourite ingredients.

The architectural design is an extension of the same approach, creating an exciting reinterpretation of tried and tested, traditional building techniques.

Taking inspiration from typical Cycladic architectural elements such as whitewashed, smooth-edged houses; drystone walls that blend into the scrubby landscape; practical, hardwearing screed floors; and natural reed-thatched roof insulation, the familiar textures are applied to contemporary, organic forms to create a unique character.

For more information and images you can visit Alemagou’s website.

True, authentic, simple – some words to describe Hotel San Griorgio on Mykonos, Greece. Today’s travelers expect more than just the standardised comfort and convenience, they are looking for a true and authentic experience.

The idea of San Giorgio Mykonos is to bring like-¬minded people together in a laid-back atmosphere. The hotel is designed to encourage interaction and yet giving those who looking for a more private atmosphere the refuge to relax and recreate.

The San Giorgio hotel is designed for those who seek simple pleasures like waking up to views of the sea, sharing good food prepared with love and care, and feeling the euphoric energy of a crowd dancing under a starry sky.
Featuring a style of simplicity and comfort, the room’s interior is a collection of eclectic treasures and organic materials. Every piece of furniture is handpicked, has its spirit of simplicity and the power of craftsmanship.

Melding the carefree finesse of the ’60s bohemian life with a down-to-earth “gypset” approach, at San Giorgio, everything is about ease and enjoyment. Leisure is writ large and guests are encouraged to store or spend energy as they please. At San Giorgio, it’s like visiting the summer home of your coolest friend, who whips together a feast for the eyes and palate with as much ease and grace as he throws the island’s most talked-about fête. And you’re along for the ride.

San Giorgio is situated on one of the most scenic areas of the island between Paradise and Paranga beaches. Not only is Mykonos famed for its nightlife but the picturesque white houses, dazzling blue waters and quaint alleys are the picture of a Grecian paradise.

You can visit the hotel’s website for more information, rates and availability.

Kitchen by Mike is a beautiful canteen style restaurant located on the premises of Koskela, one of Sydney’s best design showrooms. No wonder that this restaurant/cafe is very stylishly decorated!

A lot of designer furniture and accessories have been used such as the oversize rattan lamps from Gervasoni (last image).

The unique tables are made from wood industrial stools.

Kitchen by Mike is a great place to have lunch or lunch when you are ‘in the neighbourhood’. More information can be found here.

Images by Jillian Leiboff (via Remodalista).

Hipaway Villas offers a unique portfolio of villas in Greece carefully chosen by a team of style-conscious travelers for like-minded visitors.

Hipaway Villas covers a wide range of styles, but each one is somehow unique. The villas are selected for their general aesthetic appeal but also for their architectural design, natural setting or distinctive character.

The villas are located on several islands. The Cyclades Islands are for many the epitome of the Greek island experience. Small white homes and blue domed churches, aglow with dazzling light, set like gems in a landscape of stark natural beauty, surrounded by the sparkling waters of the Aegean.

There are villas available in various sizes – ranging from one bedroom to five bedrooms. Renting a villa gives a lot of comfort and freedom but this has of course a price tag.

For more information about rates and availability, you can visit Hipaway Villa’s website.

MaisonNL is a lovely shop that recently opened its doors in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. The shop is located in the Utrechtsestraat which is one of my favorite shopping streets in Amsterdam.

The shop can be compared with Merci in Paris, although MaisonNL is not that large. But just like Merci, MaisonNL also has some unique vintage items for sale.

You can find mostly interior accessories and furniture here but they also have a small collection of fashion items.

A lovely shop to visit when you are in Amsterdam. And when you are here, don’t forget to visit all the other great shops (and restaurants) in the Utrechtsestraat!

Address: Utrechtsestraat 118, Amsterdam.

CasasNaAreia in Portugal consists of four 30m2 self contained double bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms with fully equipped amenities ideal for groups of up to 8. The beautiful and unique cabins, designed by renowned architect Manuel Aires Mateus are close to the coastal town Praia and just one hour away from Lisbon.

The cabins are reconstructed with traditional methods using wood and a traditional stem. Also the furniture and accessories used for the interiors are made from natural and rustic materials. The floors in the kitchen and living area are covered with sand,connecting them to the beach and landscape outside.

An open plan / dining area offers state-of-the-art lighting and sound system and services such as microwave oven, ice machine, dish washer, coffee machine etc. A small utility room contains a washing machine and 4 bicycles for guests exclusive use. All bedding and linen is provided plus daily Mediterranean breakfast and midday maid service, they also offer free high speed Wi-Fi internet access.

For more information and reservations you can visit CasasNaAreia’s website.

(top image from CasasNaAreia, all other images from Cote Maison)