Perfect Pairings: Inspiration for Multi-Destination Journeys
May 7, 2025 by Hidden Doorways
Some destinations demand multiple perspectives to truly come alive. Like fine wine with excellent cheese, these hotel pairings bring out the best in each other and the destinations they inhabit, creating a narrative of travel that’s greater than the sum of its parts.
Here are some of our favorite hotel combinations – thoughtful pairings that balance urban energy with rural peace, historical grandeur with natural beauty, and cultural immersion with luxurious relaxation:
Mallorca & Menorca
Off the coast of Spain lie the Balearic Islands archipelago with two of its crown jewel destinations being Mallorca and Menorca. Both beautiful, they each offer a unique version of Spanish island culture. Mallorca, the larger of the two with its contrast of mountainous landscapes and buzzy capital city of Palma, is best experienced by stationing clients at the prestigious Grand Hotel Son Net. Just 15 minutes from Palma, it’s tucked in a privileged enclave at the foot of Sierra de Tramuntana (declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO) to give travelers the very best of both worlds. Mallorcan haute cuisine, abundant gardens, a private Malvasia vineyard, organic orchards and 17th-century splendor present the island in all its glory.
Providing the same level of finery is the Son Vell estate over on the quieter island of Menorca – also declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1993, and a haven for peace-seekers and nature-lovers. Transition out of one moment in Spanish history and into another at this impeccably restored 18th-century manor that’s within walking distance of the glittering coastline and just 20 minutes from Ciutadella, the island’s second city — the perfect complement to one another, island to island, hotel to hotel.
Barcelona & Priorat
Staying in Spain for a moment longer, this next pairing takes vacationing back to the mainland, beginning in its celebrated city of Barcelona. Here, the streets are alive — fashion, food, art, artisanship abound alongside Gaudi’s iconic architecture, not forgetting its long stretch of vibrant city beach. There are few hotels better placed to soak it all up than The Majestic Hotel and Spa in the heart of the city’s most prestigious district. A gateway to world-famous landmarks with impressive proximity to Michelin-starred restaurants and designer boutiques, this is how to dive into Barcelona in the most discerning way possible.
With fine food comes fine wine, and the country’s Priorat region is the very best place to delve into vineyards great and small. Luxury boutique hotel Mas d’en Bruno puts guests front and center of a destination renowned for producing some of the world’s best wines. A hilltop getaway surrounded by mountain views and cascading vines, it’s an enchanting medieval region just south of Barcelona that isn’t to be missed.
The Greek Isles
Greece has, wait for it, 6,000 or so islands and islets across its seas, so narrowing them down to a few to visit is no easy feat. Perfectly paired hotels help with that. Cue Kalesma on the luxe island of Mykonos and the pared-down appeal of Gundari on the rugged and raw Folegandros. Why so well-matched? Both hotels offer tranquility and idyllic surroundings – Kalesma a luxurious Mykonian hideaway of whitewashed houses that make it feel like its own beachfront village, and Gundari equally luxurious but wrapped in 80 acres of untouched nature with some of its suites featuring subterranean design on the island’s cliff edge.
Each in harmony with one another, but each providing a different perspective on Greece’s island life, guests will discover which version enriches them more: Greece’s chic side of shopping sprees, gallery and art tours and buzzy bars in breathtakingly beautiful surroundings, or Cycladic simplicity that puts them at one with nature’s wild side.
London & Hampshire
For those heading to the UK for their next getaway, enjoy the contrast of city and country by including stops at the capital and one of its most charming neighboring counties for a slice of all things bucolic in Hampshire. While London has a lot to offer, head west to affluent Belgravia and check into The Goring – London’s last family-owned hotel with over a century of quintessentially British hospitality. Leaving a five-star iconic hotel is never easy, but its prime positioning puts guests just a hop, skip and jump away from Buckingham Palace, Knightsbridge and Mayfair – prime spots for shoppers and theater-goers.
Then, just an hour away, is a change of scene so sublime it’d be a travesty to miss it on any UK stay. Heckfield Place is a lovingly restored Georgian estate where ancient woodlands and wild swimming lakes, organic farmlands, biodynamic market garden fare that feed its award-winning restaurants directed by culinary genius Skye Gyngell, and a spa unlike any other promises to show the very best of the rolling British countryside.
Mexico’s Cities and Beaches
Think Mexico, think a cacophony of color and flavor, and where better to absorb both than in its capital city (that truly never sleeps), Mexico City? Staying in luxury boutique hotel Casa Polanco lets travelers take a breath away from it all, being based in the chic and peaceful Polanco neighborhood that counts the city’s main avenues from Paseo de la Reforma to Circuito Interior just minutes away. Not only that, within walking distance is a whole host of museums and galleries including The National Museum of Anthropology – considered to be one of the most impressive museums in the world.
After immersing in the vibrant urban energy, retreat to the tranquil shores of Los Cabos where the five-star Waldorf Astoria offers the perfect oceanfront sanctuary. One of the most thrilling entrances to a hotel, arriving at the Waldorf Astoria involves Mexico’s only private tunnel that opens out onto a world of calm, quiet, and the finest expressions of Mexican culture and cuisine set against the backdrop of the brilliant blue Pacific Ocean – the ideal coastal complement to your metropolitan adventure.
Africa’s Most Extraordinary Contrasts
For the ultimate in continent-spanning journeys, Micato Safaris’ African Splendour creates a masterclass in complementary destinations. This extraordinary 17-day expedition (with an optional 12-day version) traverses four countries and 34 degrees of latitude, weaving together three of Africa’s most captivating experiences. Begin in Cape Town, where the “urban pizzazz” of South Africa’s most scenic city offers sophisticated pleasures against the dramatic backdrop of Table Mountain. Explore the Constantia Winelands, visit Cape Point Nature Reserve, and stroll through the world-class Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden while enjoying the elegant comforts of the Mount Nelson, the city’s iconic pink grande dame hotel.
From cosmopolitan South Africa, journey to Zimbabwe’s Victoria Falls, where “The Smoke That Thunders” presents nature at its most dramatically powerful—a literal waterfall of superlatives where a “large lakesworth of water” plunges 360 feet every minute. Stay at the stately Victoria Falls Hotel, cruise the Zambezi River watching elephants and giraffes, and take the “Flight of Angels” helicopter ride for breathtaking aerial views of this natural wonder.
The journey then transitions to East Africa’s wildlife havens, first in Kenya’s verdant Maasai Mara at Sir Richard Branson’s innovatively designed Mahali Mzuri, perfectly positioned near prime migration pathways. Continue to Tanzania’s endless Serengeti plains with stays at the Four Seasons Safari Lodge before concluding at The Manor at Ngorongoro, an elegant retreat set within a coffee estate adjacent to the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater—home to 25,000 large mammals in a setting unlike anywhere else on Earth. This perfectly sequenced journey, expertly guided by Micato’s safari directors, transforms the continent’s geographic and experiential diversity into one seamless, unforgettable adventure.
France’s Rich Heritage
France is steeped in history and beauty with many complementary departments to choose between. This pairing teams two luxurious hotels from the same prestigious hotel group (Airelles who specialize in extraordinary places of escape across France) in two historic regions at either end of the country.
Starting at the top in regal Versailles, Airelles Le Grand Contrôle opens up part of the Palais, specifically where its Finance Controller once lived, thus revealing a captivating window onto France’s royal past. Rifle through Marie Antoinette’s correspondence in the royal library, ride horseback through its parklands and head into the iconic Hall of Mirrors when the palace closes its doors — and roam beyond the palace walls into Versailles itself and neighboring Paris, of course.
Then float on down to a medieval hilltop village in Provence where panoramas of lavender fields and the Luberon Valley make leaving Airelles Gordes, La Bastide almost impossible, especially when La Bastide has all the experiences one could ever want and wish for — romantic garden breakfasts being one not to miss.
Colonial and Calming Guatemala
Appreciate Guatemala twofold by beginning your journey at Villa Bokeh, a colonial-style hacienda nestled within a private garden oasis that’s a mere five-minute drive from Antigua and conveniently close to Guatemala City. Here, six acres of nature beckon you to roam free, including the property’s own lagoon (book onto its The Notebook experience for the ultimate in romance). This perfectly positioned base allows you to explore Antigua’s colonial charm before continuing to the serene Lake Atitlan.
Next, transition to the tranquil Casa Palopó that places explorers on the edge of Lake Atitlan with its trio of surrounding volcanoes and in rooms enriched with the country’s colonial heritage. With just fifteen unique rooms, peaceful poolside vistas and highly commended traditional Guatemalan cuisine at its restaurant Casa Palopó 6.8, residents find rest here in a heartbeat. Experiences are curated to immerse guests further into the culture, from Palo Santo-scented meditation to shaman blessings and boat rides across the lake—a perfect relaxing finale to your Guatemalan journey.
Athens & the Athenian Riviera
it’s back to Greece with Grecotel’s perfectly paired “Twin Centre Stay: City and Riviera” showcasing the dual personalities of Athens. Begin at THE DOLLI AT ACROPOLIS, voted #1 Best Hotel in Greece by Condé Nast Traveller and recently awarded two MICHELIN Keys. This boutique hôtel-maison in the heart of Athens offers 46 luxurious rooms and apartments with stunning Acropolis views. The fifth-floor DOLLI·S ROOFTOP restaurant and bar serves as the ultimate centerpiece, presenting panoramic vistas of the city’s iconic landmarks. Don’t miss the award-winning Infinity Pool (voted one of the world’s best by Condé Nast Traveler) where the shimmering waters create the illusion of floating above the Parthenon.
From historic center to coastal elegance, continue to THE ROC CLUB, a sparkling new year-round boutique resort in Vouliagmeni, the crown jewel of the Athenian Riviera. Here, sweeping sea views and bright interiors capture the essence of sophisticated coastal living. Beyond its striking design, the property doubles as a culinary destination with its rooftop restaurant offering exciting menus and cocktails that complement the seaside rhythm. Once you experience the unrivaled panorama spanning the Vouliagmeni Peninsula and Astir Marina with its gleaming yacht club, you’ll understand why Athens deserves to be experienced from both its historic heart and stunning coastline.
360 Degrees of Cambodia
Cambodia, one of South-East Asia’s most beguiling countries flocked to for its pristine beaches, mysterious jungles and ancient temples, but where to begin? Stepping into Song Saa is no better kick off — a private island in the relatively undiscovered beauty of Cambodia’s Koh Rong Archipelago. This is where Cambodia’s takes-your-breath-away beauty really gets to shine bright with waters so crystal clear it’s impossible to not dive on in, snorkeling around its rehabilitated reefs to become acquainted with its local tropical species — the parrotfish, damselfish, sea horses and even sea turtles.
It’s also one of the few places in the world where Bioluminescent Plankton glows brightly by night — a rare and captivating sight. Stay for longer and explore neighboring sweetheart islands Koh Ouen and Koh Bong with a conservationist because Song Saa isn’t just about barefoot luxury but kindness and care towards its island and marine life.
Moving inland, add Siem Reap’s tree-shaded Royal District to the travel agenda with Bill Bensley’s Shinta Mani Angkor – the man known as the Willy Wonka of hotel design. An area that’s reinvented itself as one of Asia’s most dynamic and creative cities, there are boundless Cambodian sights and sounds to take in from the astonishing temples of the Angkor Archaeological Park; floating villages peppered with stilt houses and schools; longboat-style gondola tours past the ancient city of Angkor Thom, the Royals’ Secret Path, and the City Guard; hikes to Phnom Kulen mountain — considered the birthplace of the Khmer Empire Banteay Srei temple; or how about an evening spent at Siem Reap’s folkish meets daringly modern circus?
Bill Bensley’s other Cambodian outpost worth noting too is Shinta Mani Wild – a remote rainforest destination that opens with a 400-meter zip-line flight over the treetops! Our favorite way to get to know this third dimension of Cambodia is by taking to mangrove-lined waterways, secret backwaters, scenic rice fields and golden sand beaches of the upper Srey Ambel Estuary on its custom-designed expedition pontoon where the incredible Bensley Butlers will bird-watch and picnic-setup in the most unspoiled spots of all.
Experience all three distinct dimensions of Cambodia – beaches, jungles, and temples – with stays at Song Saa Private Island, Shinta Mani Wild, and Shinta Mani Angkor. Guests who book three nights minimum at all three hotels can enjoy a 30% discount on the full itinerary with this special offer.
