Salt is the word for micro-holidays in the United States

From macro to micro: in a few words, this is the history and philosophy of Salt Hotels, the small collection of hostels founded in 2014 by hoteliers and partners David Bowd and Kevin O’Shea – former executives of André Balazs hotels and of the Starwood and Morgans Group respectively – who have left behind the bustle and glamor of their big jobs to create hotels where people are, as Bowd puts it, “encouraged to be themselves” and to have “honest experiences and thoughtful”. The collection currently has eight properties: two in Cape Cod’s Provincetown and one in upstate New York, Nantucket and Miami Beach; there is a New Jersey Shore hotel and a private club in Hollywood, The Aster, which will open this summer.

All of the design and operations we’ve pulled together when creating some of America’s most chic boutique hotels are implemented in Salt’s authentic small spaces. Start at Salt House Inn or Eben House in Provincetown; head to Hutton Brickyards on the Hudson River; finish at Greystone (adults-only), with its rooftop pool and private club on a central stretch of Miami Beach. From $495, salthotels.com

Upscale home on the Tuscan coast

The Tuscan peninsula of Monte Argentario is perpetually in demand (thanks in large part to the master magician skills of Marie-Louise Sciò, she of Il Pellicano fame). Orbetello, the 15th century town built on the slender lagoon isthmus that connects the Argentario to the mainland, is best known (if at all) as a passage on the way to the peninsula’s countless coves, footpaths woodlands and glamorous scene. But Orbetello deserves more attention: it is home to a charming historical Centera quirky but very good weekend antiques market – and Casa Iris, the three-suite B&B owned by former restaurant manager Matthew Adams and stylist James Valeri, both formerly based in New York.

Casa Iris Palace sits at the heart of the island and the city, offering both a level of service and the splendor of public spaces that belie the modest size of the operation. Valeri and Adams clearly share an eye for a good mid-century find, as well as material details (note the meticulously marbled stucco finish on the walls, an artisan technique known as scialbo). They also know Orbetello and the peninsula, like the back of their proverbial hand, from the best aperitif spots to that hidden textile boutique, so the list of recommendations keeps customers busy and happy. From 190€, casairisorbetello.com

From the beach to the city center

“I believe in niche hotels but I’m not sure I believe in gay hotels. When John Smith calls us from London, I don’t know and don’t ask if he’s coming with Barbara or with Brandon. So said Leon Avigad, who co-founded Brown Hotels with husband Nitzan Perry in 2010. That inclusive outlook hasn’t sustained Avigad and Perry’s collection of some 30 hotels across Israel, Greece and Croatia – many of which are scattered in prime locations in Athens. and Tel Aviv – topping global lists of places the LGBTQ+ community flocks to and loves. The hotels hit several sweet spots at once: style, affordability, inclusive programming and excellent connectivity with local communities.

At the Brown Beach House in Tel Aviv, a block from the promenade and a 10-minute walk from the Carmel Market, rooms are decked in exuberant monochrome rugs and breakfast is courtesy of celebrity Israeli chef Meir Adoni . There are sister Beach Houses in Chalkida and Eretria, near Athens, and one in Trogir, west of Split in Croatia (with its own beach club). The newest is Theodor, in a listed 1935 Brutalist building on the corner of Tel Aviv’s Herzl Street and Rothschild Boulevard – about as central as it gets in this 24-hour city, and ideal for Barbaras and Let’s brandish any flag. From around £188, brownhotels.com

Sunsets and Style at Cape Winelands

Partners Marc-Ludolf von Schmarsow and James Jayasundera were already a dream team before becoming true hoteliers: the former was an established architect and interior designer, the latter a respected travel designer specializing in Southeast Asia. East, Sri Lanka (hence his heritage) and India. . Together, they were renowned among their friends for their incredible taste and mind-blowing dinners. When they bought 7 Koppies, a small farm on a hill overlooking the junction of Stellenbosch and Franschhoek in the Cape Winelands of South Africa, their original intention was to use it as a second home; but given their innate sociability and list of world-traveling acquaintances, the three-bedroom, two-suite and one-cottage property quickly turned into one of the most sought-after guesthouses in the Western Cape.

Its 50 private acres of fynbos, 25m long swimming pool and skilled chefs have won it regular customers from all over. Many come for the interiors worth covering, others to explore the fine wineries and world-class restaurants of surrounding towns; most find their way back in the late afternoon to enjoy the breathtaking sunsets from 7 Koppies. From around £185, 7koppies.co.za