Location: Cernay-la-Ville, France

If you’re all about fairytale whimsy, Abbaye des Vaux-de-Cernay will deliver the countryside escape you’re looking for. The historical landmark once belonged to a commune of 200 monks, so bliss and mindfulness are built into the essence of the ancient stone buildings. Cordélia de Castellane styled the rooms with an eclectic collection of antiques, fabrics, and textiles. She masterfully enhanced the original quirks of the rooms, like sloped ceilings and wood-paneled walls, with maximalist design. There is a grand staircase, which is always a plus for design lovers.

The property also offers four dining experiences: Les Chasses for fine dining and a glimpse at the hunting heritage, and Le Réfectoire des Moines for a Hogwarts-style breakfast among arches and candelabra chandeliers. L’Auberge is where you’ll go for a countryside meal with a piano and the willows as your backdrop, and La Trattoria di Bambini for the bread oven and Italian specialties. As for activities, this is an ideal stay for families with young children, equipped with a playground, weekend camp, a gaming room, and cinema, just to name a few options. The spa even houses a sound menu to amplify your sensory experience during treatments.

The Estate: Foxhill Manor

Location: Cotswolds, England

Foxhill Manor is a more intimate stay than the Abbey, as all rooms are within one grandiose building. Another standout highlight is its all-inclusive nature. The moment you set foot on the property, all offerings are fair game, including unlimited drinks, chauffeur service, and the pantry for snacking. There are eight rooms, all with a different vibe. For instance, the Juniper Room has a bathtub the size of a hot tub, and the Oak Room has double everything, from twin baths to armchairs.

What’s particularly unique about this stay is that you discuss your meal preferences with the chef upon arrival, including your tastes and preferred venue on the property, then the chefs whip up delicacies based on their seasonal stock. At this manor, 500 acres of Cotswolds hillsides are a playground for all ages with authentic English spirit—we’re talking archery, falconry, tractor driving, and axe throwing. If you want the place to yourself, you can make it happen in this five-star retreat for an epic house party.

The Estate: Estancia Vik José Ignacio

Location: José Ignacio, Uruguay

This is a place so beautiful that even if you’re not into horses, you’ll want to buy yourself a horse farm. Estancia Vik has managed to bridge the gap between horse ranch and artist enclave. Carrie and Alex Vik, alongside Uruguayan architect Marcelo Daglio, incorporated the traditional white adobe structure of an estancia with sculptural artworks throughout the space. Walkways lead you through the outdoor spaces, like an herb farm.

When there are more horses than people on the property, it only makes sense for 4,000 acres to be dedicated to riding. Here, you’ll feel like you’re in the middle of nowhere in the best way. A private polo field for games and lessons, and horseback riding on Criollo and Quarter horses with real gauchos (nomadic professional horsemen), will make you feel like you’re in an old western, but with Spanish flair.

There are eight guest suites and four master suites, all of which include rain showers and bathtubs. The rooms have custom wall paintings and grand headboards that are art installations of their own. For food, El Asador has traditional Uruguayan barbecue, and a dining room is available for smaller gatherings, equipped with a wine cellar below. Other site-specific perks include a 20-meter nero granite pool and a romantic chapel.

The Estate: Hotel Al Moudira

Location: Luxor, Egypt

Founder Zeina Aboukheir opened Al Moudira in 2001. The country house is right near ancient Thebes and brings the history of the Middle East inside with collected relics. The goal was to create a “paradise in the desert.” Aboukheir stayed true to the heritage of the community, employing local artisans, and in doing so became the first hotel in Egypt to become a member of the renowned Relais & Châteaux group.

There are five separate suite options covered in hand-painted Egyptian tile, stained glass, and Egyptian cotton from Malaika Cairo, another property founder and female empowerment advocate. There are also villas available among the gardens with private courtyards, butlers, and rooftop access. The Beit El Nil villa has an entrance to a private bank of the Nile River.

Al Moudira has a nearly complete self-sustaining menu, with all produce sourced from their farm, including eggs, poultry, and wheat. You can enjoy these local flavors in The Ottoman Hall for a palace-like dinner, Khan Al Moudira for a coffee surrounded by antiques sourced from old colonial Cairo coffee houses, or sit poolside at Il Forno for wood-fired pizza by the pool (apparently pizza is universal). Work off your meal by strolling through the palm groves and orchards. If you prefer to digest sedentarily, you can take a hot air balloon ride, use the hammam, lock yourself away in the library tower, or rent a vintage car.

The Estate: Commodore Perry Estate

Location: Austin, Texas

These estates are all about fusion, and the Commodore Perry Estate is no exception, with its old-world Europe meets Texan mash-up. The estate holds two Michelin Keys and acts as both a home away from home and social club. If something in the States is more your speed and you want to be central to a city, this is for you. Ten acres are protected by walls to keep the private feel intact, but you also have formal gardens and a courtyard, because it wouldn’t be an estate without those variables.

You can choose from a mansion suite or a space at the inn. All rooms have walk-in rain showers. Otherwise, this is a no-two-rooms-look-the-same kind of stay. One room could have a draped canopy bed and florals, while others focus on crisp whites. The Inn also offers either a Juliet-style balcony or French doors that open onto the garden.

The original owners of the property held reputable jazz soirées during the Jazz Age, and Lutie’s Restaurant preserves that spirit. There, you can eat $2 oysters or share family plates in a velvety booth. You can also enjoy foods like white sturgeon caviar on Texas toast or green corn hush puppies with truffles in the mansion. Save some room, though, because a Mercedes-Benz picnic is in order. Otherwise, you can play croquet, make a cowboy hat, play poker, or attend an ancestral healing session.

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FAQs

Q: Is there a minimum reservation length at Abbaye des Vaux-de-Cernay?

A: You must book a minimum of two nights at the estate for all weekend stays.

Q: How do I ensure everything is inclusive during my stay at Foxhill?

A: In order to experience an all-inclusive stay at Foxhill, you would purchase The Full Fox package.

Q: What is the nearest airport from Estancia Vik?

A: Punta del Este Airport. The airport accommodates private jets, and José Ignacio is a thirty-minute drive away.