International Women’s Day takes place every year on 8th March.
For Travel Seen, it’s a good moment to spotlight the women shaping hospitality, not just in the spotlight but behind the scenes as founders, owners, creative directors and operators building places with real personality.
This edit is not about ticking boxes. It’s about hotels with point of view, craft and confidence where the women behind them have left fingerprints on everything from the design to the service and the experience.
.
The Newt in Somerset
England
A modern British country estate done properly – gardens, wellness, food and design that feels elevated but never try hard. The Newt is owned by Koos Bekker and Karen Roos and the attention to detail is the point, not the price tag.
Why we love it: it’s one of the best UK stays for a reset that still feels indulgent, with a true sense of place and pace.
The Newt, Somerset, England
The Newt, Somerset, England
The Fife Arms
Braemar, Scotland
A Highlands hotel that feels like a cultural destination in its own right. It is owned by gallerists Iwan and Manuela Wirth and it leans into art, storytelling and atmosphere without losing its cosy soul.
Why we love it: it’s equal parts weekend escape and creative pilgrimage, especially if you like your luxury with depth.
The Fife Arms, Scotland
Ett Hem
Stockholm, Sweden
The definition of a “come in, stay awhile” hotel. Ett Hem is owned by Jeanette Mix and the whole concept is built around comfort, warmth and the kind of understated design that makes you exhale the second you arrive.
Why we love it: it’s boutique hospitality at its most intimate, ideal for a long weekend that feels like borrowing a beautiful home.
The Siam
Bangkok, Thailand
Bangkok can feel fast and full on so a proper sanctuary matters. The Siam is led by Kamala Sukosol, a well known Thai businesswoman and philanthropist and the hotel balances glamour with calm in a way few city hotels manage.
Why we love it: it’s the sort of hotel that makes you slow down in a city that never does.
The Siam, Bangkok, Thailand
Al Moudira
Luxor, Egypt
Al Moudira began as the vision of founder Zeina Aboukheir who created a desert hideaway that feels theatrical, romantic and deeply rooted in place.
Why we love it: Luxor is iconic but this is how you do it with style, atmosphere and a sense of discovery.
Al Moudira, Luxor, Egypt
Eden Rock
St Barths
A classic that still feels current. Eden Rock is co-owned by Jane Spencer Matthews who is also an artist and the hotel carries that creative energy throughout.
Why we love it: when you want sunshine, ease and an iconically good hotel scene, this is the one.
Eden Rock, St Barths
Il Pellicano
Tuscany, Italy
Old school glamour done in a way that still feels relevant. The Pellicano Hotels story notes the hotels are nurtured under the direction of Marie-Louise Sciò which is exactly why the brand has such a consistent look and mood.
Why we love it: the Dolcevita energy is real, not performative.
Il Pellicano, Tuscany, Italy
Want us to plan one of these properly?
If you want to build a trip around any of the hotels above, we’ll handle the end-to-end: the right flight times, room category strategy, transfers, dining and the little details that make it feel effortless.
Ready to book?
Send us an enquiry and we will get you matched to the right experience. Call or Whatsapp us on 0333 305 9912.
