16 Escapist Destinations Around the World That House Beautiful Editors Adore

"The Amangiri in Utah has been on my travel bucket list for years. Just looking at the photos puts me at peace. What draws me in about the 34-suite property is the modern architecture that blends right in with the surrounding desert environment. The aesthetic blend of Amangiri's oat milk-hued building against the pop of bright blues from its exquisite pools really appeals to my senses. Each suite has an outdoor lounge and fireplace with expansive desert views, with some featuring a private pool or roof terrace. The stay includes hikes on the property, wellness classes, and meals. Though, to be honest, I'd be happy just to post up in a chaise lounge with a good book and stare off into the distance all day long. This is the type of place that would make me put my phone down for a weekend so I can just journal and laze around, slowing down from my fast-paced city life to appreciate Mother Nature. Of course, the suites come with a hefty price tag, which, if I'm being honest, makes me want to stay here even more just to see what the hype is about, and people-watch to my heart's content."

—Marina Liao, Senior Commerce Editor

"My family's trip to this beautiful peninsula just outside of Liberia was pure escapism. The four-bedroom residences at Peninsula Papagayo outshone any hotel I'd ever stayed in. They were incredibly spacious, wrapped in bamboo wood and marble flooring, with all of the amenities that keep us functional (great Wi-Fi, stainless steel appliances). Between the wraparound porches, the private infinity pool, the outdoor kitchen, the rainfall showers, and the cliffside view, it's hard to imagine a more relaxing stay. It's rare to find a property that holds my seven-person family that well. We had plenty of space for family time and individual retreats. We were so comfortable that we hardly needed to leave the residence to enjoy ourselves. Poolside cocktails with my siblings were all I needed. Barring a few close encounters with monkeys (that made us laugh more than scared us), it was a dream, and I am still thinking about going back."

—Janae McKenzie, Associate Shopping Editor

"As much as I love a family vacation, solo travel is very close to my heart. I love a city vacation driven by a careful itinerary, where I can wander between local shops, bookstores, bars, and restaurants, immersing myself in a different locale for a few days. I have a soft spot for New England, so I spent a long weekend in Portland, Maine, for the first time. The whole visit felt like something out of a Hallmark movie. (I visited in December, so I was ready for my Christmas meet-cute.) The only thing that could've made it more magical would be a stay at the Longfellow Hotel. The on-site spa with private sauna rooms, cocktail salon, and cozy reading room all make for a perfect escape. Plus, it's within walking distance of downtown Portland and right next door to one of the city's best cafes. I believe this boutique hotel would make even the coldest winter trips feel warm."'

—Janae McKenzie, Associate Shopping Editor

"I never thought of myself as the wellness resort kind of girl (I've watched too much White Lotus recently) until I went to Hawai'i in October. As one of the smaller islands, Lāna'i gave me a sense of seclusion and immersion that I long to go back to—it's accessible only by charter plane from the big island's airport. I'm not sure I've felt as peaceful as I did there since! Known for its personalized approach to wellness, the Sensei Lāna'i, A Four Seasons Resort allows you to completely customize your experience. I spent the days meditating, soaking in the onsen pools, and hiking through the local hills. I left feeling restored and with the sense that the resort is the ideal place to disconnect and unwind."

—Kate McGregor, Digital Editor

"A few years ago, any chance I got, I would take Metro-North upstate and relish in the woods and hiking trails that the Hudson Valley has to offer. Now that the weather is warming up, I'm finding the same urge coming back. Chock full of wonderful small businesses, nature, and the kind of quiet you can't find in New York City, the Hudson Valley is the perfect escapist destination. Whether you're going for a weekend or just a day trip, from Cold Springs to Beacon and up to Hudson, you can't go wrong."

—Kate McGregor, Digital Editor

"It doesn't matter if I'm lounging by the pool or going for a casual beach walk in San Francisco, one thing's for sure: I always feel more relaxed by the water. (I even try to recreate those oceanic vibes at home with lots of blue decor.) I've been fascinated by Fiji since I first laid eyes on a bottle of Fiji water in the grocery store when I was a kid—what can I say? I've always been a sucker for the tropical motif—and it would be an absolute dream to travel to Fiji and stay at one of those floating hotels. After all, SO many designers and brands get their inspiration from the great outdoors, and I'd love to enjoy Mother Nature in all her glory. Give me a book (preferably a suspense thriller) and a glass of wine (preferably a chilled red), and I'd be in heaven."

—Kelsey Mulvey, contributing writer

"My husband and I traveled to Morocco two years ago, and I'm convinced it's a must for any design enthusiast. While many people know about the country's labyrinth-like markets, Morocco is also packed with incredible design. (Trust me, you'll love to peruse all the Berber rugs in Marrakech, check out the intricate tilework in Fez, and wander around the monochromatic city of Chefchaouen.) As expected, a lot of the country's hotels put those gorgeous details on full display. We stayed at Riad El Amine Fès and were blown away by the sun-drenched, stylish spaces. However, if we ever get the opportunity to go back, Royal Mansour in Marrakech would be my dream hotel. The ultra-luxe accommodations feature 53 private riads, each equipped with hand-carved furniture, marvelous mosaics, and textural tapestries. For some much-needed R&R that appeals to all of the senses, I'd book a treatment at the spa, which is hands-down the prettiest facility I've ever seen—online or IRL."

—Kelsey Mulvey, contributing writer

"I went to Nice for the first time last year with some friends, and it's really the first place I've wanted to return to on a yearly basis. I've never felt more at peace than when I was floating in the Mediterranean Sea's Gatorade-blue waters. We spent every other day relaxing at Nice's beach clubs and traveling to nearby towns by train—the right mix of exploration and relaxation for a perfect vacation. I also loved the little, busy, yet cozy streets, markets, and restaurants in Nice. We stayed at two different Airbnbs, but I'd love to go back and experience the dreamy hotels there."

—Kelly Allen, Associate Editor

"Rockhouse had been on my radar for years, and my now husband and I finally went there back before Covid. I dream about going back almost every day. The turquoise water is absolutely as beautiful as it looks in the pictures. There's no beach, but I assure you that's not a con. Instead, it's set on rocky cliffs unlike anywhere else in the world. You get to jump off the rocks into the water to snorkel. We stayed in a cliffside villa with a balcony and a fridge stocked with ice-cold Red Stripes, and I laid out on the chaise and relaxed. There's no reason to leave because the Jamaican food on-site is the best in town. It is absolute heaven."

—Elyse Moody, Senior Features Editor

"Skip Amalfi, Sorrento, and Capri and stay on the island of Ischia instead. Ischia is generally cheaper and less populated than Amalfi, Sorrento, and Capri during the summer months but just as beautiful. It's a short ferry ride out of Naples and home to several thermal springs of volcanic origins, making Ischia a hotspot for spa culture. When you aren't indulging in the healing properties of the hot springs, you can enjoy the incredible beaches, explore the island via scooter, and indulge in some of the most delicious food you'll ever try."

—Bianca Bonetti, Assistant Social Media Editor

"I was in Madrid a few years ago in July, and, wow, I don't think I was prepared for how truly hot it was going to be. My friends and I made a last-minute decision to take the train out to Valencia—only a couple of hours away—to clock in some beach time to help us cool off. What was a last-minute decision was perhaps one of the best bits of the trip. Not only are the beaches in Valencia absolutely stunning, but the city is steeped in history wherever you go. It's a tremendous blend of old and new (with Gothic, Art Nouveau, and modernist architecture all blending together to make it a must-visit design destination.) While Barcelona had Gaudi, Valencia's Francisco Mora blessed the city with truly beautiful architectural works, like the Colón Market, that shouldn't be missed. Want to be removed from the bustle of the city? Consider the Hotel Balneario, which is right on the beach and has not one but three pools, including an indoor heated one that overlooks its beautiful gardens."

—Soumi Sarkar, Digital Designer

"I grew up in India, and despite having traveled (and loved) much of the world, I always end up yearning for the escapes and hospitality back home. One of my favorite places in the country is Goa. While the beaches and nightlife have, understandably, won Goa much of its renown, its incredibly varied historical and natural beauty that stretches beyond the sands should not be passed over, as are all aspects of the region's absolutely beautiful food and culture, all of which really implores you to slow down, take it all in, and enjoy your time with your nearest and dearest."

—Soumi Sarkar, Digital Designer

"One of the most memorable travel experiences I've had is my 2018 trip to Edinburgh, Scotland, with my family. We arrived just hours before a historic snowstorm shut the entire city down for the better part of a week. While that may have impeded some of our sightseeing plans, we were thankfully lodging at The Caledonian, which was the absolute highlight of our trip. Originally opened in 1903, the hotel is now a part of the Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts portfolio, and every detail, from the linens to the decor, is considered for utmost luxury. Unexpected snowstorm aside, Edinburgh is a beautiful city and a must-visit place (I've been twice), featuring winding streets, Gothic architecture, and so much rich literary history."

—Melanie Yates, Senior Digital Editor

"I was never one of those young girls dreaming about going to Paris. Yes, it's talked about in some of my favorite movies and shows like The Devil Wears Prada or the iconic The Hills line, "Lauren will always be known as the girl who didn't go to Paris." But it just wasn't on my radar as someplace I'd want to go—until I went there. The first time I went to Paris was in 2022, and I have been back every year since. As a New York resident, Paris offers a familiarity, like the way that you navigate the city and the vibrant nightlife while providing a certain slowness that's perfect for when I need an escape. The architecture there is beautiful to be surrounded by, the unlimited access to art is always inspiring, and the food is delicious. It also happens to be the home of my all-time favorite pastry, the croissant. Every arrondissement has its own special rhythm, much like the boroughs of New York. But Paris is incomparable. It's a hub of culture and beauty impossible not to love, in my opinion."

—Catherine DiPersico, Assistant Market Editor