Sun Seeker
Bask in the sunshine at these new island escapes and embrace friluftsliv—the Scandinavian art of outdoor living
Bask in the sunshine at these new island escapes and embrace friluftsliv
As an old saying goes, the cure for everything is saltwater—sweat, tears or the sea. We’ve clearly had a lot of the first two over the past year, but not enough of the last. Well, as conditions allow, these notable new resorts around the world might just give you reason to start planning an island holiday.
HOTEL LA PALMA IN CAPRI, ITALY
Is there a place that speaks of jet-set glamour more than Capri? Hotel La Palma, which opens in April 2022, is technically not a new hotel but the rebirth of Locanda Pagano,
Capri’s first hotel, built in 1822, that was a gathering place for artists. Oetker Collection is transforming the property into a 50-room hotel complete with a new rooftop bar and a stylish beach club in Marina Piccola, the best vantage point for Capri’s renowned sea stacks and a favoured anchor point for yachts. lapalma-capri.com
PATINA MALDIVES, FARI ISLANDS
A new brand under the Capella Hotel Group, Patina Hotels & Resorts is opening its inaugural property this summer in the Maldives, located on the
Fari Islands. The Patina Maldives features 90 oneto three-bedroom villas and 20 studios designed by Brazilian architect Marcio Kogan of Studio MK27, who was inspired by the islands’ dramatic landscape and seascape, resulting in spaces defined by a calming, natural feel. Guests can also travel to the nearby Fari Marina Village and Fari Beach Club for a little more action. patinahotels.com
CAN FERRERETA IN MALLORCA, SPAIN
The Balearic Islands have a reputation as a party paradise but they also have a sedate side to them. Bacchanals have been tamed by the pandemic anyway, so there’ll be no shame in spending some quiet time at Can Ferrereta, a 17th-century mansion-turned-hotel opening this month. Located at Santanyi on Mallorca’s southeast coast, the 32-room property preserved its stone arches and wooden beams as part of its design. Once you’ve had your fill of sunbathing by the pool, hit the serene coves of Es Trenc beach or explore the historic quarter just steps away from the hotel. hotelcanferrereta.com
We’ve all heard about hygge, the Danish word for having a cosiness fetish. Now trending is another Scandinavian concept called friluftsliv (pronounced free-looftsliv), which means “openair living”. According to the BBC, the term was popularised in the 1850s by playwright Henrik Ibsen, who first put the word in printed form.
In essence, friluftsliv refers to a deep passion for nature and the ingrained culture of going outdoors even in dire weather. One could look at it as a more extreme version of Japanese forest bathing, as it also encourages people to prioritise unwinding in nature and camping, of course, is par for the course. From Norway to Sweden, many workplaces incentivise employees to embrace friluftsliv through flexible work hours and even subsidising the cost of sports equipment.
Learn Friluftsliv