Our selection of newly opened mini-lodges and design boutique hotels from around the world: from Scandinavia to Mexico, from Austria to Japan.

NORWAY
THE BOLDER STAR LODGES A BALCONY OVER THE FJORD

Following the success of his first two projects, The Bolder Sky Lodges, entrepreneur Tom B. Norland, owner of the site overlooking the Lysefjord near Stavanger, decided to expand: he built three new, much more spacious cabins with even higher environmental standards. The renowned architectural firm Snøhetta, in charge of the project, minimized the environmental impact: the foundations rest on the bedrock, and the wood used comes from the local forest. The lodges stand amidst the pine trees, literally on the edge of the cliff. With their asymmetrical shape and roofs that reach for the sky, they seem to defy the laws of physics. Their five-sided design and floor-to-ceiling windows offer a multitude of breathtaking views of the surrounding natural landscape. Each lodge includes a bedroom with a double bed, a dining area, and a fully equipped Vipp kitchen. Tom B. Norland has paid as much attention to the practical aspects as to the enchanting atmosphere of the place: "The lodge is easily accessible by car all year round. But it is perhaps in autumn, winter and spring that the experience is most magical."
THEBOLDER.NO

MEXICO
CASA YUMA FEET IN THE SAND

All around Puerto Escondido, on Mexico's Pacific coast, the saying "no news, no shoes" takes on a whole new meaning. And this is especially true at Casa Yuma, a new bohemian-chic retreat on the stunning Los Naranjos beach, near the village of La Punta. Three friends, all fans of the destination, joined forces to imagine and design this 25-room mini-hotel, nestled amidst a still-wild landscape of fields and mountains: Camille Lambert, Tim de Belloy, and Sara Skalli. "At Casa Yuma, time stands still. Only the sound of the waves brings us back to reality," explains Skalli, an interior designer who also designed the furniture and artwork, which was then crafted by local artisans. Together with architect Ricardo de la Concha of the firm TAAC, they created a minimalist space where light wood, Oaxaca brick, and chukum—a blend of tree resin and limestone—take center stage in a patchwork of natural tones. A dream spot conducive to disconnecting, between surf lessons, a visit to a turtle reserve, a yoga and meditation session, and tasting mezcals and tortillas.
CASAYUMA.COM

AUSTRIA
ERIRO IN THE SECRET OF TYROL

The Zugspitze, Germany's highest mountain, seems to watch over the Ehrwald resort on the Austrian side, from its 2-meter summit, and over Eriro, its newest luxury hotel; also one of its smallest, with just nine rooms. The architects were commissioned to develop an original, eco-friendly, and sustainable design, with a construction made of 95% wood, primarily sourced from the forest in which it stands. Natural light floods the deliberately minimalist interior spaces, whose main tones—gray, green, and brown—are inspired by the surrounding landscape. "We meticulously designed every detail of Eriro to foster harmony with nature," emphasize the owners, Dominik and Amelie Posch. Their aim: to showcase Tyrolean culture and lifestyle throughout the hotel, extending even to the spa, with its mountain arnica treatments and sauna scented with spruce needles, and the restaurant, which specializes in wood-fired cuisine. The activities offered reflect this same philosophy of immersion: hiking, wildlife observation, mountain biking, pottery classes, or, even more unusually, yodeling (a traditional 962th-century song)...
ERIRO.AT/EN

JAPAN
SIX SENSES KYOTO ZEN INTERLUDE

Six Senses, one of the world's most prestigious hotel groups, has just opened the doors to one of its signature luxurious sanctuaries in the former imperial capital, specifically in the historic Higashiyama district. Its first hotel in Japan is a model of refinement and timeless splendor, tranquility and rejuvenation, reflecting the spirit of Kyoto itself. "Inspired by Japanese folklore and traditional arts, it revives the charm and elegance of the Heian period [the golden age of arts and culture] for a contemporary journey, with playful touches, encounters with nature, and a sense of serenity," summarize the interior designers from the Singaporean studio Blink Design Group. The 81 rooms and suites are nestled between courtyards and delicate gardens. Special mention goes to the common areas: the Six Senses Spa which promotes holistic well-being, the ultra-locavore restaurant Sekki, the Café Sekki where aromatic beers are served, or the speakeasy cocktail bar, Nine Tails.
SIXSENSES.COM

SWEDEN
LANDET CLOSE TO THE FOREST

“Landet” in Swedish means “countryside.” This aptly named retreat lives up to its promise with total immersion in one of the country’s most unspoiled regions, the Stockholm archipelago. Unspoiled, but not cut off from the world: the charming town of Trosa is just minutes away, and the capital is less than an hour. This was the vision of Swedish architect Andreas Martin-Löf when he designed his chic, eco-friendly, contemporary cottages for city dwellers seeking to disconnect, on a 400-hectare estate. Small spaces (40 square meters), but all comfortable and pleasant to live in. The aesthetic choices of London-based designer Tobias Vernon, the clean lines of Scandinavian furniture, and the living room with its fireplace all contribute to creating a gentle and soothing atmosphere. Andreas Martin-Löf’s stroke of genius? Installing a large bay window on either side, overlooking nature, is a true invitation to contemplation: "And to make the cabins blend into the environment, we placed them on simple plinths, which gives the impression that they are floating above the rocks."
LANDTASH.COM