Carmel Valley Ranch — Carmel, USA

A few miles inland from the crashing surf and sleepy coastal towns of the Monterey area, lies the Carmel Valley where in 2009, Geolo Capital, a San Francisco-based investment firm led by the philanthropist John A Pritzker, acquired the Carmel Valley Ranch. A luxury retreat set over nearly 500 acres of lush land, the property underwent a re-imagining in 2010, upgrading its already well-appointed collection of facilities to include a new spa, pools and an 18-hole golf course. Most recently, the hotel recruited the skills of local architects Nicole Hollis to outfit 12 new indoor-outdoor suites which, designed around existing trees, are tucked away in a secluded oak grove. Double-sided fireplaces enhance the outdoor sensibility, as do natural textures such as wool blankets, reclaimed tree root tables and leather headboards. And if the resort’s selection of idyllic activities – such as honey harvesting and stargazing – prove too strenuous, retreat to a large private wooden deck where gorgeous valley views and an outdoor soaking tub await.