Aqua Lares

Situated at the end of the stunning Sunnfjord, in the Norwegian fjords, lies Åmot. Here the accommodations are split into the villa, which dates back to 1890, and the cottage, a charming guesthouse originally in the 1820s.

Originally built as an outpost for radio operators in 1933, Isfjord Radio allows guests to enjoy the vast wilderness of Svalbard without compromising on comfort or style.

The world’s most northerly boutique hotel, you are located on the outermost part of Isfjord on the Nordenskiöld coast, surrounded by the magnificent Svalbard mountains and overlooking the open sea. 90km from Longyearbyen, the hotel is accessible by snowmobile or dogsled in winter and by boat in summer.

The transmitter masts and satellite dishes still remain outside, a reminder of its past as an important telecommunications link between the Norwegian mainland and Svalbard. After a day exploring, relax and wrap up in a cashmere throw in one of the beautifully styled guest rooms, or take a seat in the cosy sitting room. The connection to your surroundings extends to dinner, an Arctic feast of smoked seal, whale, halibut and reindeer. Each night of your stay, you’ll enjoy a three-course dinner of Norwegian specialties.

Surrounded by icy fjords, snow-capped mountains and a wealth of wildlife, this majestic landscape begs to be explored so prepare for some epic adventures in what feels like the end of the world.

With enough avant-garde design to make the most discerning art collector turn green, impressive views steal your attention every way you turn at The Thief. From inspiring contemporary art gracing guestrooms to Julian Opie animations playing in the elevators and an Andy Warhol piece sitting in the restaurant – and not forgetting those fjord panoramas – this is Oslo’s exciting, cutting-edge design hotel.

Facing the water’s edge in the Tjuvholmen district, now deemed a hotspot for innovative design, with the Astrup Fearnely Museum of Modern Art next door and superb restaurants scattered among pedestrianised streets and squares, this boutique bolt-hole fits perfectly into its creative environment.

Closely tied to its Norwegian setting, The Thief is adorned with local designers’ furniture while the restaurant’s seasonal menu is peppered with regional accents. Drinks and views then come hand in hand up at the gorgeous roof terrace, though each room and suite also offers private vistas from floor-to-ceiling windows and French balconies.

Scenery isn’t the only thing your room provides either. Infused with gadgets, carefully chosen artwork and luxuries including rainforest showers, bespoke woollen blankets, slippers and bathrobes, the accommodation here is superb.

Set within 58 acres of parkland at the foot a sea loch, Torridon Hotel enjoys a truly idyllic location that lets guests really appreciate the rugged beauty of the Highlands.

18 bedrooms feature bold prints and quirky accessories, many coming with freestanding bathtubs and views out across the loch and towards the Torridon Mountains.

The 1887 Restaurant offers a daily changing three, four or seven-course menu using ingredients sourced from the kitchen garden. Apples, blackberries and raspberries help make the sweetest of pudding, and vegetables and herbs make their way onto the plate within hours of being picked. Highland cattle, chickens and Tamworth pigs are also reared on the estate. For a pre or post-dinner tipple, make your way to the whisky bar – with over 350 labels you’re certainly not going to go thirsty.

With such a formidable landscape on your doorstep, you’ll want to check out the range of activities offered by the hotel. The adventurous may with to go mountaineering, gorge scrambling or coasteering; take to the loch in a kayak or canoe; or try your hand at archery or clay pigeon shooting. Of course, curling up in front of the fire or enjoying afternoon tea while looking out across the ever-changing landscape is as fine a way to spend your times as any.