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

NORWAY
THE BOLDER STAR LODGES A BALCONY ON 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 not far from Stavanger, has decided to think bigger: he has built three new cabins, much more spacious and with higher environmental standards. The renowned Snøhetta architectural firm in charge of the project has kept environmental impact to a minimum: the foundations are based on rock and the wood used comes from the local forest. The lodges stand among the pine trees, literally on the edge of the cliff. With their asymmetrical shape and sky-high roofs, they seem to defy the laws of balance. Their five-sided configuration and floor-to-ceiling bay windows allow a multitude of breathtaking views of nature's grand spectacle. Each unit includes a bedroom with a double bed, a dining room and a Vipp kitchen. Tom B. Norland has paid as much attention to practicality as to the enchantment of the place: "The lodge is easily accessible by car all year round. But it's perhaps in autumn, winter and spring that the experience is at its most magical."
THEBOLDER.NO

MEXICO
CASA YUMA FEET IN THE SAND

All around Puerto Escondido, on Mexico's Pacific coast, the phrase "no news, no shoes" takes on its full meaning. And this is particularly true at Casa Yuma, a new bohemian chic retreat on the wonderful beach of Los Naranjos, near the village of La Punta. Three friends, all fans of the destination, teamed up to imagine and stage this 25-room mini-hotel, set in a still-wild landscape between 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 the latter, an interior designer who herself designed the furniture and art pieces, which were then crafted by local artisans. Together with architect Ricardo de la Concha of the TAAC agency, they designed a minimalist space where light wood, Oaxacan brick and chukum, a mixture of tree resin and limestone, take center stage in a patchwork of natural tones. A dream spot to unwind, between surfing lessons, a visit to a turtle reserve, a yoga and meditation session, or a mezcal and tortilla tasting.
CASAYUMA.COM

AUSTRIA
ERIRO IN THE SECRET OF TYROL

The Zugspitze, Germany's highest mountain, seems to stand watch from its 2,962-metre height over the Austrian resort of Ehrwald, and over Eriro, its latest luxury hotel and one of its smallest, with just nine rooms. The architects were commissioned to develop an original architectural project, respectful of nature and sustainable, with construction using 95% wood, mainly from the forest in which it is located. Natural light floods the interior spaces, which are deliberately uncluttered and whose main tones - grey, green and brown - are inspired by the surrounding landscape. "We meticulously designed every detail of Eriro to promote harmony with nature," stress owners Dominik and Amelie Posch. Their aim is to reflect Tyrolean culture and lifestyle throughout the hotel, right down to the spa, with its mountain arnica treatments and spruce needle-scented sauna, and the restaurant, which features wood-fired cooking. The activities on offer follow the same philosophy of immersion: hiking, wildlife observation, mountain biking, pottery classes, or even more unusual, yodeling (a traditional song from the 16th century)...
ERIRO.AT/EN

JAPAN
SIX SENSES KYOTO PARENTHÈSE ZEN

Six Senses, one of the world's most prestigious hotel groups, has just opened the doors of one of its luxurious sanctuaries in the former imperial capital, in the historic Higashiyama district. His first hotel in Japan is a model of refinement and timeless splendor, tranquility and rejuvenation, in the image of the city of Kyoto. "Inspired by Japanese folklore and traditional arts, it brings to life the charm and elegance of the Heian era, with playful touches, encounters with nature and a sense of serenity," sum up the interior designers from Singapore studio Blink Design Group. The 81 rooms and suites are set in courtyards and delicate gardens. Special mention must be made of the communal areas: the Six Senses Spa, which promotes holistic well-being, the ultra-local Sekki restaurant, the Café Sekki, where aromatic beers are served, and the Nine Tails speakeasy cocktail bar.
SIXSENSES.COM

SWEDEN
LANDET CLOSE TO THE FOREST

"Landet" is Swedish for "countryside". This aptly named retreat delivers on its promise, with total immersion in one of the country's most unspoilt regions, the Stockholm archipelago. Preserved, but not cut off from the world: the charming town of Trosa is just a few minutes away, and the capital less than an hour. This was the intention of Swedish architect Andreas Martin-Löf when he designed his contemporary, chic and eco-responsible cottages for a clientele of city dwellers in search of disconnection, on a 400-hectare estate. Small spaces (40 square meters), but comfortable and pleasant to live in. The aesthetic choices made by London designer Tobias Vernon, the sleek Scandinavian furniture and the living room with its fireplace all contribute to creating a soft, soothing atmosphere. Andreas Martin-Löf's genius idea? Installing a large bay window on either side overlooking nature, a real incentive for contemplation: "And to ensure that the cabins blend into the environment, we placed them on simple pedestals, giving the impression that they are floating above the rocks."
LANDETSTAY.COM