GREAT ESCAPES

Eight of the most stunning hotels, villas, retreats, and camps around the globe, from Amalfi to India

- TRACEY MINKIN

VERANDA World's Most Beautiful HOTELS 2022

The Madrona

HEALDSBURG, CALIFORNIA

"Oscar Wilde said that everything in your home should be functional, beautiful, or both," says Jay Jeffers, who granted beauty tantamount status as per that Aesthetic Movement prophet in his exuberant revival of this 1881 mansion and estate purchased during the COVID-19 pandemic. In The Madrona's 24 rooms, suites, and bungalows, as well as its divinely atmospheric public rooms, Jeffers has also embraced the right-now with myriad design collaborations including bespoke rugs, murals, and lighting. Most potently he tapped longtime friend Lisa Chadwick of Dolby Chadwick Gallery in San Francisco to curate and commission artworks throughout (including Jeffers's favorite gallery wall in the front parlor, left). Oscar, your new perch awaits. Rates start at $750 for guest rooms, $1,050 for premium bungalows; themadronahotel.com

Henry's Townhouse

LONDON

Of course that's Jane Austen in miniature on the walls of Henry's Townhouse. The reason? Jane was Henry Austen's sister, and his Georgian home in Marylebone is the most splendid new hotel in a city full of decorative redoubts. All credit to owners Jane and Steven Collins, who led the redesign-with London's estimable Russell Sage Studio-of six sumptuous bedrooms named for and inspired by members of the Austen family. Meanwhile the Collinses brought their family passions to the project: Steven mined the couple's art collection for period-appropriate pieces, while Jane used her fashion background to source details like antique lace (in cousin Eliza's bedroom, right). She also admits to spending a year collecting antique Georgian tiles for a pantry backsplash: a sensibility worthy of any Austen heroine. Rates start at $625; henrystownhouse.co.uk