From a brand new hotel in the heart of Madrid to an historical city dwelling in Portugal and a secluded beach resort in Mozambique there is something to suit the tastes of all independently-minded travellers.
 

TOTEM Madrid, Spain

Elegant and contemporary luxury is at the core of this hotel in Madrid which opens in June 2016 , from the monochrome marble bathrooms in each of its 64 rooms to the intimate and friendly service. Located in the upscale neighborhood of Barrio de Salamanca, TOTEM Madrid resides in a beautifully restored heritage building framed by traditional streetlights and broad tree-lined avenues. The neighbourhood is hailed as the capital’s shopping heaven and just steps away from the hotel are some of the city’s best shopping streets including everything from Spanish designers and international brands to independent boutiques. For those seeking a different kind of local culture, Madrid’s golden triangle of museums and art galleries is also just moments away. After guests have explored the neighborhood they can continue to soak up the atmosphere relaxing in their room complete with floor to ceiling windows and private balcony.

SLH Insider Tip: Visit nearby El Patio del Fisgó for excellent authentic Spanish food surrounded by beautiful plants and twinkling fairy lights. Request a table on the terrazza to make the most of the Mediterranean sunshine and people watching.
www.slh.com/totem
 

Paradise Cove Boutique Hotel, Anse le Rai, Mauritius

Paradise Cove Boutique Hotel is located on a secluded beach on the north coast of Mauritius and provides stunning views of the northern islands, just a few miles from the vibrant town of Grand Bay. This adults-only hotel is designed with romance in mind - a private lagoon is surrounded by tropical gardens and hidden thatched ‘nests’ lead to a beautiful cliff-top infinity pool. The 67 rooms and suites all combine modern comfort with traditional Mauritian architecture and design, featuring draped four poster beds, private balconies and views of the lagoon, the beach or the gardens. Out and about, guests can enjoy bike tours through sugar cane fields or a cruise on a luxury yacht. The staff will gladly assist guests with any request they have, from a Chinese Taoist massage or the ‘Aromas and Tropical Flowers’ bath at the spa to kite surfing and paddle boarding lessons at the beach.

SLH Insider Tip: The hotel runs a complimentary daily excursion to the nearby fishing village of Cap Malheureux where local restaurants serve up the freshest seafood.
www.slh.com/paradisecove 
 

Diamonds Mequfi Beach Resort, Pemba, Mozambique

Situated on the southern peninsula of Pemba on the sandy dunes of Mequfi Bay, this five-star resort is the ideal location from which to explore this unspoilt corner of Mozambique. The location is what really sets the resort apart with seemingly unending panoramic views in every direction leaving the guests to enjoy maximum privacy and get back to nature, without leaving luxury and comfort behind. The 50 bungalows dotted across the amber sands all have ocean views, private verandas and open air showers facing the bay, while the Mvua African Rain Spa blends together naturally sourced ingredients such as flowers, salt and wild honey to create a sensory local experience that can be enjoyed in a beachfront cabana. From the hotel guest can go whale watching or island hopping, while nearby is the Quirimbas National Park covering over 750,000 hectares of the north-east coast of Mozambique. The park is home to a rich marine life of sea turtles and over a hundred species of fish.

SLH Insider Tip: If you’re travelling with family or friends opt for one of the resort’s exclusive and spacious beach suites, all of which feature two double bedrooms, a separate living area and complimentary minibar.
 www.slh.com/diamondsmequfi

The VIEW Lugano, Switzerland

A stay at The VIEW Lugano has been likened to staying on an extravagant luxury yacht and the sophisticated rich teak, chrome and glass interiors coupled with unrivalled views from this hilltop heaven across the water to the mountains certainly give this impression. On arrival a floor butler will whisk guests up to one of just 18 stylish suites complete with a large terrace and a mini-bar tailored to their tastes. As expected the philosophy at The VIEW Lugano is entirely focused on made-to-measure service and ensuring that a guest’s every need is tended to, be it a specially designed treatment at the uber-cool spa to a private jet to enjoy an exclusive shopping experience. Closer to home, guests inspired by the restaurant, Inocenti Evasioni, can also take a chef-led cooking course complete with a shopping trip to buy the ingredients at the local market.

SLH Insider Tip: Why not explore the local area in one of the hotel’s complimentary Smart cars or electric bicycles.
www.slh.com/theview
 

Pousada de Guimarães, Portugal

Winner of the coveted Europa Nostra prize for its renovation and restoration, the magnificent Pousada de Guimarães was once home to Augustinian monks and Portuguese royalty. Now the ornamental gardens and hushed hallways are host to a luxury retreat where the peaceful cloisters, stone fountains and soaring oak ceilings are made welcoming by huge fireplaces and snug sofas. Guests can choose between 51 rooms in either the new and old wing of the hotel and are never far from its history – superior rooms are housed in the original monks chambers, the pool is beside what was once the mill and the bar in housed in the monastery’s kitchen. Enjoy local cuisine at the hotel’s refined Dona Mafaldarestaurant, which offers Minho regional classics in the old cellars surrounded by azulejos and views through the arches to the UNESCO medieval city.

SLH Insider Tip: Those looking for even more history and architecture on their visit will love the Santa Clara Convent, just 2.5km from the hotel and one of the biggest and richest convents in Portugal.
www.slh.com/pousadadeguimaraes