Some accommodations are part of the journey itself – the kind of places you still talk about years later. After traveling through nearly 50 countries, we’ve learned that the most extraordinary stays aren’t automatically the most expensive or luxurious. Far more interesting are places with real character and atmosphere. In this five-part series, we’re sharing our favorite destinations for truly remarkable accommodations – for travelers who don’t leave things to chance and want hotels that become part of the adventure itself.
On islands, days feel longer and small moments feel extraordinary. That’s why island accommodations tend to linger in the memory long after the big sights have faded. Whether it’s volcanic stone houses on Pico, tropical resorts in Thailand, or elegant coastal hotels in Sardinia:
Island Accommodations with Maximum Slow Travel Feeling
Pico, Azores – Volcanic Stone Houses Between the Atlantic & Sky
Pico is one of those islands that feels like it exists outside of time. Black lava coastlines, green hillsides, grapevines growing behind volcanic stone walls – and beyond it all, the endless Atlantic. Accommodations here tend to be small, authentic, and atmospheric: traditional stone houses or modern boutique stays that lean into the island’s raw, elemental beauty.
Our accommodation picks on Pico:
- Adegas do Pico – traditional volcanic stone houses with Atlantic views
- A Casa do Ouvidor – stylish apartments in a wonderfully peaceful setting
Thailand – Islands Between Jungle, Design & Sea
Thailand’s islands offer some of the most diverse options for extraordinary stays anywhere in the world. Particularly on smaller, quieter islands like Koh Yao Noi and Koh Yao Yai, Thailand reveals its most relaxed side – far from the bustle of the classic tourist hubs. Resorts sit directly on the water, surrounded by tropical vegetation or framed by dramatic limestone formations rising from the sea.
Our accommodation picks in Thailand:
- Santhiya Koh Yao Yai Resort & Spa – traditional Thai design meets lush jungle backdrop
- Nakamanda Resort & Spa Krabi – quiet elegance with views over the Andaman Sea
Sardinia – Coastal Retreats Between Mediterranean Elegance & Wild Nature
Sardinia is far more than a beach destination. Along its coastlines in particular, you’ll find accommodations that strike a perfect balance between Mediterranean refinement and untamed landscape. Swimming in secluded coves in the morning, wandering through charming villages at midday, watching the sun set over the Costa Smeralda from a beautiful hotel in the evening – the island gets this blend of relaxed and visually stunning right.
Our accommodation picks in Sardinia:
- Hotel Cala di Volpe – iconic luxury resort on the Costa Smeralda
- Hotel Arbatasar – ideal base for the east coast and road trip routes
Our conclusion: The best island accommodations don’t make you feel like you need to see as much as possible. They create exactly the opposite feeling: the desire to stay. And perhaps that’s the most beautiful form of travel there is – not “check in and move on,” but truly arriving.
Plan your next trip with our Pico, Thailand, and Sardinia travel guides.
Which island would you book immediately for a week of slow travel – the Azores, Thailand, or Sardinia?
Share this guide with your favorite travel buddies and leave us a comment below!
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