Travel Feature: Bloom-Centric Escapes — 5 Luxury Garden Hotels Around the World

A Botanical Affair for the Sophisticated Explorer

There’s something profoundly healing about being surrounded by flowers in full bloom. As the earth reawakens, spring invites us to embrace color, texture, and the scent of renewal. And what better way to indulge than in a luxurious escape where gardens take center stage? This season, we’ve curated a list of five exquisite destinations—each rooted in floral wonder and wrapped in refined design. From serene Japanese tea gardens to sun-drenched Mediterranean terraces, these garden-forward retreats are perfect for design lovers seeking nature’s most beautiful expressions.

1. Hoshinoya Kyoto, Japan

Imagine stepping off a boat into a timeless sanctuary where cherry blossoms flutter like confetti across still waters. Tucked into the wooded hills of Kyoto’s Arashiyama district, Hoshinoya Kyoto is a modern ryokan where history, architecture, and the elegance of seasonal change converge. Traditional wooden pavilions open onto moss-covered paths and manicured riverbank gardens, where stone lanterns guide you through blooming camellias and weeping cherry trees. The experience is one of stillness and refinement—perfect for those who appreciate understated luxury.

Design tip: Inspired by this look? Style your bedroom with minimalist furniture and our Ivory Bloom Pillow for a touch of Japanese tranquility.

2. Villa d’Este, Lake Como, Italy

Set on the romantic shores of Lake Como, Villa d’Este has long been a playground for aristocrats and style icons. Its Renaissance gardens are world-renowned, with cypress-lined terraces, dramatic fountains, and ancient sculptures tucked among roses and citrus trees. As you stroll under flowering wisteria archways, it’s easy to imagine yourself in another time.

The interiors are equally opulent—crystal chandeliers, silk-draped walls, and grand staircases. But it’s the seamless connection between garden and villa that truly defines the space. Bougainvillea spills from balconies, and dining al fresco becomes a floral feast for the senses.

3. Babylonstoren, South Africa

This Cape Dutch estate in the Cape Winelands is a dream for garden enthusiasts and culinary travelers alike. Babylonstoren’s 3.5-hectare garden is both productive and ornamental, featuring everything from heritage vegetables to medicinal herbs and indigenous flowers. Meandering through the garden is part of the experience—guests are encouraged to pick, smell, and learn.

The hotel itself is a study in whitewashed simplicity with luxe details: clawfoot tubs, woven textiles, and wide French doors that open to garden views. Babylonstoren merges sustainability and sophistication effortlessly.

4. Château de Villandry, France

Set in the fairytale landscape of the Loire Valley, Château de Villandry is famed for its elaborate Renaissance gardens. Think geometric parterres, boxwood mazes, and fountains that shimmer under the French sun. While the château is not a hotel, its proximity to beautiful boutique stays makes it a worthwhile destination for floral admirers.

Plan a garden-focused itinerary, exploring other gems like Château de Chenonceau and local wine estates. For a luxe home base, stay at the Relais & Châteaux property nearby, offering ivy-clad walls and rustic French charm.

5. The Huntington, Pasadena, California

Closer to home, The Huntington is a botanical haven nestled in the hills of Pasadena. Spanning over 120 acres, its themed gardens—from the Desert Garden to the Shakespeare and Japanese Gardens—offer a sensory escape for every floral inclination. Nearby boutique inns and craftsman homes provide luxurious accommodations with that California-casual edge.

Spend the morning under cherry trees and the afternoon with a good book in the rose garden’s shaded pergola. Then, return to your suite for a sunset glass of rosé.

Bringing Garden Escapes Home

Each of these destinations whispers of peace, artistry, and connection to the natural world. Whether you’re planning your next getaway or dreaming from afar, you can draw inspiration from these spaces to design a home that feels like your own botanical retreat.