
Words Vidula KotianDate 15 July 2026
Lakes you step directly into, rivers that shape entire cities, coastlines that dictate the pace of a stay—each reveals how closely architecture and landscape can be connected.

The cascading design gives every room a balcony overlooking the sacred mountain and lake

The ArcadiaPlace comprises three villas shaped into a womb-like retreat
Set on the shores of one of China’s most sacred alpine lakes, The ArcadiaPlace is designed so the landscape is never out of sight—floor-to-ceiling glass, lake-facing balconies, and a rooftop infinity pool all draw the eye back to the water. Inspired by the traditions of the Mosuo people, whose culture has long been shaped by life on the lake, the architecture and interiors echo the surrounding landscape through natural materials, handcrafted details, and a palette drawn from the shifting blues and greens of the water itself.


A serene world framed by the sacred peaks of Gemu and Houlong
The Savannah River has long been the city's lifeblood, and Municipal Grand makes it easy to experience its enduring pull. Housed in a beautifully restored landmark near the historic waterfront, the hotel sits within walking distance of riverfront promenades, bustling docks, and sunset views. Blending historic grandeur with contemporary comfort, Municipal Grand offers a distinctly local perspective on one of the South's most storied waterfront cities.
In the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, Finolhu invites you to experience the Maldives with a sense of curiosity and care. Marine conservation initiatives, expert-led reef encounters, and educational excursions offer a closer understanding of the ecosystems that sustain life beneath the surface. Rather than simply showcasing its spectacular setting, the resort encourages a deeper connection to it, making every encounter with the ocean feel both memorable and meaningful.

At Finolhu, 125 villas sit on the beach or rise above the lagoon on stilts
Lake Wulpińskie sets the pace at Hotel Galery69 in Poland’s Masurian Lake District. Step straight from the pier into calm waters, take out kayaks or rowing boats, and spend long stretches drifting between shoreline and silence, thanks to the lake’s protected quiet zone that keeps motorboats and noise at bay. Back on shore, panoramic windows, terraces, and handcrafted interiors by the hotel’s artist-owners, Małgosia and Wojtek Żółtowsky, maintain a constant connection to the landscape beyond.

Wulpińskie Lake in northeastern Poland shines in every season

Designed by its owners, the handmade furniture at Hotel Galery69 is available under Manufaktura69

At Seegut Zeppelin in Friedrichshafen, land and lake blur across a four-hectare park that runs all the way to the shore. Mornings move through orchards and wild meadows before drifting down to the lake for a swim, a row, or simply time spent at the water’s edge.

Seegut Zeppelin transforms a historic villa with new buildings set carefully within a protected landscape

At Restaurant Pinus, the menu is plant-forward and made for sharing
That sense of openness carries through the property, where historic Villa Gminder and contemporary architecture sit side by side, shaped by glass, wood, and light that keeps the landscape ever present.


Food that feels fresh, generous, and rooted in place
Collins Avenue meets the Atlantic in a flash of Art Deco and salt air at The Shelborne By Proper in Miami Beach. The restored pool deck—with its diving board, cabanas, and constant movement—acts as a second shoreline, while direct beach access keeps the ocean always within reach. Mornings spill into the boardwalk for long walks or rides along the coast, before drifting back for swims, cocktails, and time spent between pool and sea. Boldly revived and unmistakably social, The Shelborne captures Miami Beach at its most fluid.

A refreshed Shelborne by Proper preserves its 1950s pool deck with modern design touches


Miami’s architectural heritage meets modern tropical design
A forested peninsula on Lake Ungurys surrounds Esperanza Lake Resort in Lithuania, where water and woodland meet in quiet seclusion. Wooden walkways slip through pine and birch toward private docks, saunas, and still swimming spots that feel entirely removed from the outside world. Inside, timber, glass, and stone define the architecture, carried through interiors that echo the calm of the landscape beyond.