It’s that time of the year when life gets busier and I start dreaming of getting away somewhere exotic. So, since there is nothing wrong with indulging in a little dreaming, come and join me on a trip around the world taking in Nairobi, Iceland, the Maldives, France, Argentina and Italy. We can swoon over these six destinations together and plot a way in which at least one could be a future holiday locale.

Nairobi: Giraffe Manor

The Giraffe Manor boutique hotel blends English country manor house with a truly African experience. A herd of endangered Rothchild giraffes not only lives on its 12 acres but will feast with you morning and night through the manor’s windows. It’s an animal lovers delight situated within 140 acres of indigenous forest in the Langata suburb of Nairobi. Tea for two takes on a whole new meaning. Image courtesy Giraffe Manor.

The Maldives: Swinging at Anantara Veli Resort

If a carefree sun-kissed holiday could be summed up it would be this. The Maldives in the Indian Ocean certainly feature highly in online travel imagery and it’s easy to see why. The swing set at the Anantara Veli Resort is a clear winner to me, and as a bonus December is a great time of the year to visit the Maldives if you want to escape from the usual traditions of Christmas. So I’m asking myself, why have I not been yet? Image courtesy Tripadvisor.

Argentina: Eco Barrio Flotante, Buenos Aires

This ‘Floating Eco Village’ was designed by Fabian de Martino, who was inspired by the floating homes of Amsterdam. Only forty minutes from the heart of Buenos Aires, Barrio Flotante has truly captured my imagination with its getaway-like appeal, boat-only access via the yacht club, the rustic decor (spot the skateboard ladder stairs) and the serenity of sitting on its deck over the river. Take me there now. Image courtesy The Perfect Hideaway.

Iceland: Blue Lagoon, Reykjavik

One of twenty-five wonders of the world, Blue Lagoon, situated between Keflavik International Airport and Reykjavik, is total indulgence for the body. Bathing in the steaming geothermal sea water is meant to work wonders on your body as are the in-water massages and silica mud for use while in the water. And if you want days of lagoon-wallowing, you can stay at the Silica Hotel surrounded by the lagoon and its lava field environs. I reckon this is best experienced in winter and if you’re unsure, read the Dreaming and Wandering blog which describes the benefits of visiting Iceland in the cold. Top image courtesy Pinterest. The bottom image of a frozen waterfall Aldeyjarfoss, taken by photographer Erez Marom, courtesy Bored Panda.

France: The COQ Hotel, Paris

If all these natural wonders are too much and you’re craving a city-scape, Paris is the creme-de-la-creme of cities and this hotel so seductive and sumptuous you’ll never want to even step foot in the city! Located in a small street near Place d’Italie, the C.O.Q Hotel (an acronym for ‘community of quality’) was designed by  Agence Favorite and each of its 50 bedrooms has its own glamorously moody decor. See more at Inattendu.

Italy: Masseria La Spinetta, Puglia

Feeling in the mood for pretending you own a twelve-bedroom villa in the Italian countryside? Masseria La Spinetta is a contemporary home built in the traditional style of the masserie, a fortified farmhouse common in the Puglian countryside. Even just looking at the pictures makes me want to relax and go ‘ah’. Imagine how good it would feel to actually be there surrounded by olive trees, cool stone and luxurious decor? See more at The Perfect Hideaway.

Which place tickles your fancy?