Three new member properties have joined the Small Luxury Hotels of the World in recent weeks, with one set to debut in early July 2020. The latest members include a beach club in the Balearic Islands of Spain, a 15th-century farmhouse set within 150 hectares of forest and vineyards in Matarrana, also in Spain, and a brand-new 12-room urban oasis in Athens, Greece.
Here’s a brief overview of each new member.
Gecko Beach Club & Spa, Formentera, Spain
30 rooms from AU$353 including breakfast
Reached by boat from neighbouring Ibiza, Gecko Hotel & Beach Club is set on the protected island of Formentera, just metres away from the turquoise waters of Migjorn Beach in the peaceful area of Ca-Marí. At this light-filled retreat on one of the island’s best stretches of sand, it’s all about hot beach days and warm Balearic nights. Reach for the sun in a morning yoga class, spend the afternoon on a private terrace and the evening enjoying seafood and live music overlooking the sea.
SLH insider tip: Wednesday and Friday evenings are particularly magical – with guests invited to taste traditional espetada – fresh fish and seafood are grilled right in front of guests’ eyes whilst the hotel’s resident DJs spin Balearic-house music.
A77 Suites by Andronis, Athens, Greece
12 rooms from AU$515
Located on one of Athens’ most iconic pedestrian streets, A77 Suites in Plaka is a newly constructed urban oasis in a colourful district of the city blending antiquity and sophistication. A 19th-century listed building, it has been restored to create 12 spacious suites displaying modern works of art and contemporary décor. The Iconic Suite provides a terrace complete with Jacuzzi and views of the Acropolis. Guests can enjoy Greek cooking classes, water-based excursions and private tours of some of Greece’s best-known ancient landmarks.
SLH insider tip: The A77 Boutique is the latest addition to Andrianou Street’s array of shops, offering a stunning collection of Greek designer fashion, all handcrafted and inspired by Greek heritage and mythology.
Torre Del Marques, Matarraña, Spain
18 rooms from AU$480 per night including breakfast
(Opening 10 July 2020)
A 15th-century farmhouse set within 150 hectares of forest and vineyards, Torre del Marques combines the latest in eco-luxury with real respect for its heritage. The hotel is located in Aragon, one of the least discovered regions of the Spanish countryside yet easily accessible from Barcelona. The light-filled restaurant embraces an organic zero-kilometre approach to dining, serving only food that is produced in the immediate local area. Olive oil tasting, truffle hunting and horse riding are just some of the activities on offer.
SLH insider tip: Torre Del Marques offers uninterrupted views of a spectacular river valley, and with no light pollution to detract from the brilliantly clear night skies, guarantees optimum conditions for astronomy throughout the year.
Meanwhile, Small Luxury Hotels of the World has launched a global campaign – dubbed #SLHFORHEROES – offering 1,000 rooms to those on the frontline who have supported their communities through the COVID-19 pandemic. Submissions to nominate a Hero are now open until 30 June and can be found at www.slh.com.
Lead image: Torre del Marques
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