Unforgettable escapes: Cathay editors’ picks

Every great journey begins with a place to rest, so finding the right hotel is critical. More than just a roof over your head, your hotel should enhance your experience of a destination. Imagine waking up to the sound of birds whistling outside your window, sipping coffee in a quiet cobblestone courtyard, or indulging in a plethora of five-star spa treatments. To ensure your next holiday is filled with moments like these, we share our editors’ most memorable hotel stays, from Nordic treehouse lodgings to five-star boutique hotels in the heart of Paris.

Oasi di Galbusera Bianca

A great hotel delivers warm hospitality and unique character – and you’ll find both in abundance at Oasi di Galbusera Bianca.

“I don’t know of a more delightful place than this rural guesthouse, set among the hills and vineyards of the Curone Valley in Brianza, roughly an hour from Milan. You enter the honey-coloured building, adorned with creeping ivy, via a cobblestone courtyard.

Inside, you’re greeted by brightly painted walls and antique-style furniture in playfully mismatched colours and fabrics. The guest rooms are just as whimsical: the Artist Room, where I stayed, is decorated in blush-pink and adorned with paintings and sketches, while an easel stands in one corner. Breakfast is a cheerful spread of pressed juice, fresh yoghurt and your choice of homemade jam. And of course, the service is unceasingly warm and attentive.” 

• Charlotte Ames-Ettridge, Senior Sub-editor, Cathay

Hotel 41

If you love experiencing the hum of the city outside while feeling time slow down inside, you’ll love Hotel 41, a quietly luxurious property in the heart of London. 

“Tucked away in a nondescript building near Buckingham Palace, this hotel brings all the comforts of an aristocratic country home to metropolitan London, featuring marble checkerboard tiling, a lounge teeming with wooden bookshelves and just 30 plush, tastefully appointed bedrooms. My husband booked this intimate hotel as a surprise and I fell in love with its old-world charm.

It also boasts several restaurants and bars, such as the dark academia-esque Executive Lounge, which is the perfect spot to pen your great literary work over afternoon tea. Don’t miss the complimentary canapés – best enjoyed over a frosty flute of champagne.” 

• Megan C. Hills, Content Editor, Cathay

Tree Hotel 

The best hotels bring guests closer to their destination – like Tree Hotel in the Swedish Lapland. Set amid the Arctic forest, its treehouse lodgings will make you feel as if you’ve entered a fairy tale. 

“The area is dotted with eight beautiful treehouses designed by renowned Scandinavian architects. Each features a unique concept intended to connect you deeper with nature. Among them is Mirrorcube, a cube-shaped structure with mirrored walls that reflect the surrounding scenery, rendering it almost invisible among the trees of the forest. My favourite treehouse, however, is UFO – a giant flying saucer suspended between towering pine trees. With the press of a button, a ladder descends and you climb into a cosy wooden capsule with small round windows that boast breathtaking views of the blue sky, green forest and powdery white snow.

Tree Hotel also stresses the importance of sustainability and Nordic environmental principles, carefully selecting tree locations and installing incinerating toilets within the guestrooms. Guests can sign up for seasonal activities, such as dog sledding, snowmobiling, ice fishing and snowshoeing for a fully immersive exploration of Sweden’s rich culture.” 

- Wylie Liu, Deputy Editor, Cathay

HOSHINOYA Guguan

Everybody deserves to be pampered now and then. If you’re in need of some self-care, look no further than Hoshinoya Guguan, a famous hot spring resort in Taichung.

“I really enjoy visiting Taiwan, China’s hot springs. Located in the Dajia River Valley amid the peaks of the Xueshan Mountain Range, this resort is a hot spring haven. Inspired by the elegance of Japanese design, it seamlessly blends into its natural environment. Many of the guest rooms are designed as duplexes, providing ample space and privacy alongside scenic mountain views. The lower level features a semi-open private hot spring bath where you can soak your troubles away. In the evenings, throw open the wooden windows to bask in the evening breeze and the calming hum of nature. 

Guests can also try their hand at different cultural experiences hosted by the hotel, such as tasting traditional Hakka lei cha (pounded tea) or weaving a piece of indigenous Taiwanese Atayal textile to take home as a unique souvenir. The property also offers excellent kaiseki cuisine highlighting locally-sourced ingredients. Dishes vary with the seasons, but I loved the Japanese tofu fritters paired with Tainan milkfish, and the delicate Guguan trout kamameshi.”

- Charlotte Kung, Content Editor, Cathay

Cheval Blanc Paris

Seeking a hotel that captures the essence of its location? Cheval Blanc Paris exudes the romance, sophistication and charm that Paris is known for. 

“This boutique hotel truly represents the pinnacle of Parisian refinement. With only 72 rooms and suites, it has an intimate, bespoke feel. In my room, every element impressed me, from the state-of-the-art tech features to the thoughtful design details, all of which set a new standard for modern luxury hotels. For a truly indulgent stay, I'd highly recommend starting with the signature treatments at the in-house Dior Spa. Then, savour an unforgettable meal at one of the hotel’s exceptional restaurants, each offering a masterclass in fine dining.”

- Alice Liang, Content Editor, Cathay