Falstaff Magazin International Nr. 2/2022

trends / BACK TO THE

trends / BACK TO THE ROOTS BACK TO THE ROOTS SUSTAINABLE LUXURY RESORTS AT PARADERO TODOS SANTOS, THE PROGRAMME INCLUDES FARMING AND STARGAZING The Mexican peninsula of Baja California now boasts a luxury resort dedicated to sustainable tourism. Rather than depending on its proximity to the beach for custom, the resort woos travellers with its barren desert backdrop and interiors that pair rough concrete with cosy boho chic. The hotel is spread between 35 buildings grouped around a central garden – an arrangement that evokes the historic missions of California. But there is an important difference: rather than being dedicated to religion, the resort aims to provide a place of contemplation and an authentic natural experience – a retreat for nature-loving bohemians. Covering more than two hectares, the grounds border several small farms, the mountains of the Sierra de la Laguna loom on the horizon. In order to merge the hotel and landscape as seamlessly as possible, the property was planted with 80 endemic species and laid out with a botanical garden. While the garden suites are equipped with hot tubs and hammocks, the rooftop suites feature a “star net” suspended over the terrace for stargazing. Apart from – literally – hanging out, guests are meant to experience something new. There are plenty of activities to choose from, ranging all the way from surfing at the beach which is just 20 minutes away, to vegetable-growing workshops and guided hiking tours through the region’s ecosystems. Doubles with breakfast from approx. £549. paraderohotels.com 34 falstaff jul-sep 2022

No walls, no doors: The Banyan Tree Escape aims to get rid of the boundaries between people and their surroundings. AT CASTELLO DI VICARELLO THE FOCUS IS ON ENJOYMENT Set amid the green hills of Maremma in Tuscany, the five-star retreat is housed in a medieval castle that has been restored with flair. Relying on their exquisite taste, the owners have created a mix of antique and modern furniture for the nine individual suites. On the doorstep, there are 40 hectares of vineyards, olive groves and farmland for guests to explore. Guests can even lend a hand with the garden or harvest, cook with the lady of the house, join the truffle hunt or taste the estate’s organic wines. A gifted local craftswoman demonstrates how leather goods are made. Prices on request. castellodivicarello.com THE BANYAN TREE ESCAPE IS A CAPTIVATING HIDEAWAY Just a 40-minute drive north of Ubud, the adult-only retreat in Buahan comprises 16 luxurious villas on stilts. To ensure guests get as close to nature as possible, the villas have no walls or doors – but they do have private infinity pools, spacious living areas and terraces with stunning views of the jungle and the surrounding mountains. The stay centres on a “naked experience,” which includes activities such as foraging for food in the forest and garden, preparing traditional dishes, taking part in ceremonies and experiencing ancient treatments. Doubles from £698. escape.banyantree.com MORE ADDRESSES Words: Marion Genetti Photos: Yoshihiro Koitani, Courtesy of Castello Di Vicarello, Georg Roske, supplied PATINA MALDIVES The island resort on the North Malé Atoll offers guests an exclusive retreat. Designed by prominent Brazilian architect Marcio Kogan, the villas are modern masterpieces that are in absolute harmony with nature: built from natural materials, they feature glass walls that merge the interior with the surrounding landscape. Each villa has its own private pool. Another delectable highlight is the cuisine at the Roots restaurant, inspired by slow food exclusively featuring seasonal ingredients. Doubles with breakfast from £1,534. patinahotels.com TULUM TREEHOUSE Nestling in the jungle by the Caribbean shore, this five-bedroom hideaway will delight fans of minimalist design. For the artistically inclined and creatively minded, it’s a great gathering place for making music, trying traditional cooking methods and reconnecting with nature. Doubles from £277. slowness.com HOLMEN LOFOTEN Switching off is easy in the stylish fishermen’s cabins. The kitchen is headed by a top chef – he’ll even take you fishing with him if you like. Doubles with breakfast from £248. holmenlofoten.no KINLOCH LODGE For hunters and gatherers: the grand lodge on Scotland’s Isle of Skye invites guests to take part in a host of archaic activities. Doubles from £440. kinloch-lodge.co.uk MOUNT MULLIGAN LODGE A stay at this luxury Australian lodge includes cattle driving and spectacular hikes. Doubles from £1,268. mountmulligan.com < jul-sep 2022 falstaff 35