Hotels on My Bucket List

Seven stays that I'm (currently) crushing on.

Apr 28, 2025

I clearly have a type. And what’s funny is I didn’t even realize it until I was deep into making this list. Sure, not all of these fit the mold, but I can definitely see a throughline.

A few of my favorite (hotel) things: I want an experiential stay (the farm-ier the better). Nature should be front and center. It’s got to have playful design elements. Preferably lots of color. And texture. And pattern. But not so much that it feels cluttered. I’m going to need some wide open spaces because (depending on my mood) I might want to just keep to myself and soak in the place. Give me all the artsy/craftsy activities. Ceramics class? Say no more. I’d love some farm-to-table food. And some fresh, inventive cocktails. An on-site veggie garden? Now we’re talking. Can I pick some fruit while I’m there? Harvest something? Make something creative out of said harvest? Yes, please! Nature-inspired spa treatments? I’ve died and gone to heaven. It’s gotta have some really great little nooks to read. Or nap. Oh, and there must be cute animals.

Jnane Rumi - Marrakech, Morocco

When I saw Jnane Rumi, a newly opened boutique hotel in Marrakech, pop up on my Instagram feed it was love at first sight. The colors. The textures. The goats. Their website gives off Wes Anderson vibes and I couldn’t love it more.

Sterrekopje Farm - Franschhoek, South Africa

Sterrekope Farm has been on my bucket list for a while. A luxury agritourism hotel might just be my favorite type of stay and this one knocks it out of the park. I’d love to go for one of their Wise Women retreats.

Kisawa Sanctuary - Benguara Island, Mozambique

Pricewise, Kisawa Sanctuary is waaaayyyyy out of my league, but oh my gosh this place looks incredible. The design. The remoteness. I need to experience this. If you’re reading Kisawa, let’s work together.

Annandale - Pigeon Bay, New Zealand

Annandale’s tagline, “Stay where the world can’t find you,” is admittedly kinda terrifying, but it’s an experience I wouldn’t pass up. Accessible by helicopter (or a 40-minute 4WD transfer), it’s just you and mother nature. Also stunning modern design. Plus, they have over 4000 acres of farmland that you can visit!

Amantaka - Luang Prabang, Laos

I’d love to go to Laos and Amantaka is my top hotel pick by far. Design-wise it’s pretty simple, but it just feels so serene. To be able to witness Buddhist monks doing Tak Bat, a daily almsgiving ceremony, would be awe-inspiring.

Eleven Deplar Farm - Ólafsfjörður, Iceland

This one is less about the design and more about the experience. Seeing the Northern Lights is a bucket-list item for me and experiencing them at Eleven Deplar Farm, an ultra high-end and very remote lodge would be epic.

Reschio Hotel - Lisciano Niccone, Italy

Yes, that pool is Instragram famous, but there’s so much more to Reschio. A reimagined family-owned 1000-year old castle set on a vast Umbrian estate? What an absolute dream.

This is just the tip of the iceberg. Maybe I need to do a part 2? Let me know in the comments.

What’s on your hotel bucket list?