1. Taormina, Sicily

Taormina is located on the Mediterranean side of Northern Sicily. Known as the “beach town” of the coast, Taormina has stunning views, including one of its main attractions, Isola Bella. Isola Bella is a smaller island in the waters of Taormina and can be referred to as the Pearl of the Ionian Sea. Visitors can swim and take in the island’s views while visiting. At night the view of Isola Bella from the tops of Taormina is a once in a lifetime experience.

“When Goethe called Taormina a “piece of paradise on earth,” he may well have been describing Villa Sant'Andrea. Along one of Italy's most picturesque bays on a private beach with exclusive cabanas, this villa is just a courtesy shuttle ride away from the town center. Rest in blissful refuge in one of 70 elegantly furnished guest rooms. Take in panoramic views from the heated outdoor swimming pool. Revel in complimentary morning boat cruises, relish fresh seafood at Ristorante Oliviero, and relax with a soothing massage in your room or beneath an orange tree. Little guests can enjoy fun activities at the dedicated Smile Club.” (Virtuoso.com, 2022).

Visit Villa Sant'Andrea | All Images Owned by Belmond Hotels

2. Azores Islands, Portugal

“Mother Nature has created a land full of natural beauty, ready to be explored, in the blue immensity of the Atlantic Ocean: the Azores.

To the East, on the island of Santa Maria, the beaches of warm white sand are inviting, and the vineyards covering the slopes like an amphitheatre resemble giant staircases. São Miguel, the largest island, is seductive with its Sete Cidades and Fogo Lagoons. The power that emanates from the earth is felt in the geysers, hot thermal waters and volcanic lakes, as well as in the tasty "Cozido das Furnas" slowly cooked inside the earth.” Visit Portugal

“Not just another hotel, but a dream given form by João Reis, an entrepreneur and enthusiastic surfer, who realized a vision on the northern coast of São Miguel. It began from a passion: a passion for the dark, sandy beach that bears its name; for the mysterious blue waters of the Atlantic; and mystic green pastures and forested-mountains of Ribeira Grande. This environment mixed with a desire to transmit the same passions for nature, the sea and, above all, the Azores resulted in SANTA BÁRBARA.” Santa Barbara Azores

3. Negev Desert, Israel

“Israel’s Negev Desert is pure, ethereal magic set in a starkly beautiful setting. Covering over half of Israel’s total land area, it is an area bristling with beauty. The desert is a fascinating and enchanting place, especially for those not familiar with desert landscapes. While there is a lot you can see yourself, the best way to discover the desert is for a day with a guide or on a tour. To the untrained eye the miles of desert may look the same. But if you dig a little deeper every rock formation, jagged hill, and mound of earth has its own unique story.” (Tourist Israel)

“Traditional desert hospitality is expressed by the generosity of spirit, evident in the resort’s 60 suites and pool villas, which have been thoughtfully designed and integrated into the desert topography to preserve the natural terrain. Six Senses luxury hotel in Israel features villas that are built from and inspired by local rocks and pigments, with many furnishing elements sourced from a partnership with local community artisans.” (Six Senses)