Escape The Cold With Design Hotels

Escape The Cold With Design Hotels

Who says it's too late to work on your tan and relax by the beach? Design Hotels™ presents five hotels perfect for getting in some sun, from the southern reaches of Europe to the land down under
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Take advantage of the array of outdoor activities on offer in Sagres at Memmo Baleeira. The breathtaking nature and wild landscape on Europe's southwesternmost tip sees an average of 300 days of sun per year. On the shores of Thailand's Andaman Sea rest 36 villas that make up the Casa de la Flora resort. Each villa is equipped with a private pool, the perfect way to enjoy the region's driest months of the year. Miami meets Gran Canaria at Seaside Palm Beach Hotel. Located inside a 1,000-year-old palm grove, guests will feel as if they are on a secluded island, yet have direct access to the vibrant life of Playa del Inglés. Why not just skip winter and head down to Oz, where summer begins in December? QT Sydney, in the heart of the Harbor City, is the perfect starting point to enjoy the 30°C temperatures. In the capital of Madeira, The Vine exudes a luxuriously modern vibe. The island has gained a reputation as an idyllic haven with a mild climate and lush landscapes.

The Great Outdoors

The Sagres peninsula is known for the raw beauty of its landscape and its abundant activities for outdoor enthusiasts. Memmo Baleeira provides access to the best the region has to offer, from surfing lessons to jeep tours. Even children can get active at the Kid's Club, where supervisors organize an array of educational and outdoor activities. With a restaurant serving local products, a bar, a café and a swimming pool set against the backdrop of Martinhal Bay, the hotel offers plenty of things to keep guests occupied; nevertheless, owner Rodrigo Machaz encourages visitors to mix with the locals, taste the flavours of the region and make the most of the surrounding landscapes, which is why guests are given a special bracelet as part of the 'Living Sagres by Memmo" program upon check-in, giving them special benefits in town.

Mi Casa, Su Casa

Along the shores of Khao Lak, 36 modern, private villas are the epitome of serenity. Casa de la Flora was built with the local surroundings in mind, yet is uncompromisingly forward thinking in its design – perfect for those in search of privacy in unspoiled surroundings. Most of the low-rise villa offers breathtaking sea views, private pools and a complimentary mini bar. To enjoy the rays even more, the public area of the resort features an infinity-edge pool and direct beach access. The in-house 'Dreammaker" is more than happy to organise excursions, ranging from diving around the nearby Similan Islands to exploring the popular destination island of Tachai, an uninhabited island with untouched nature, only recently open for tourists.

Under the Palms

Alberto Pinto's reincarnation of the classic 1970s Palm Beach Hotel carries the original design concept into a new era at Seaside Palm Beach Hotel on Gran Canaria. Located in an ancient palm grove, the Miami Beachinspired façade and turquoise-mosaic pools are good indicators of the cool, laid-back vibe. Gran Canaria is noted for its rich variety of micro climates, from golden sand beaches and dunes of white sand, contrasted by green ravines and picturesque villages. A third of the island is under UNESCO protection as a result. The hotel just opened a special clubhouse offering entertainment and fun for kids, making Seaside Palm Beach great for the entire family. There are plenty of ways to keep busy, from the three swimming pools, an open-air gym, tennis, golf, archery and the beach just a short walk away.

Quirky Sydney

Set within two of the city's most iconic buildings – the historic Gowings department store and heritage-listed State Theatre – QT Sydney has already become a landmark in the Harbor City. While the Northern Hemisphere braces itself for the winter ahead, Sydney enjoys its summer from December 1, making it a great destination to skip winter altogether. The most popular beaches in the city, Bondi Beach and Manly Beach, are both a short drive from the hotel and ideal places to bask in the warm Australian sun. Sydney's Hyde Park is a short walk from the hotel, an idyllic urban retreat for sunbathing and jogging. Other nearby sights include the Sydney Opera House, the Harbor Bridge and the Center Point Tower. Back at the hotel, the spaQ offers customized treatments and a traditional men's barber with hot shaves and a Hammam-spired steam and ice room.

Climbing New Heights

On the island deemed as the Isle of Flowers, The Vine serves as the perfect starting point to explore the charming and picturesque capital city of Funchal and the island of Madeira. The namesake comes from the local vines used to make the world-renowned Madeira wine. The mild temperatures and volcanic soil make the island especially fertile, and it has been a popular destination for its pristine nature and its hiking trails. The wealth of marine life due to the geographic location of the island has made sport fishing as well whale and dolphin watching quite popular. The hotel itself offers a panoramic rooftop restaurant and heated, open-air swimming pool with superlative views of the harbor.