Best of the Week: Parents' Retreats From Around the World
The need to escape to a child-free zone for rest and rejuvenation knows no borders, as these parental havens reveal
Even the world’s most committed parents do well to take a step back, breathe deeply and recharge to continue on as the nurturing caregivers their children need them to be. Be inspired by these retreat-like bedrooms across the globe and see what you can do to turn yours into more of a haven. Treating yourself well doesn’t just benefit you, after all – a calm and rested mum or dad can parent with far more patience and good humour than one in need of some me-
time.
time.
2. Location: Los Angeles, USA
Why we love it: No matter what the weather’s doing, this bedroom invites the outdoors in. And hanging chairs suspended in your own private courtyard mean you don’t have to jostle for a turn with the kids.
Why we love it: No matter what the weather’s doing, this bedroom invites the outdoors in. And hanging chairs suspended in your own private courtyard mean you don’t have to jostle for a turn with the kids.
3. Location: Perth, WA
Why we love it: It’s an Asian-inspired haven in the country that has tranquillity written all over it.
Why we love it: It’s an Asian-inspired haven in the country that has tranquillity written all over it.
And it has a pretty spectacular ensuite too.
4. Location: Sydney, NSW
Why we love it: The view alone is enough to make us swoon – imagine waking up to that each morning – and the calm colour palette and layers of texture in the linen, wool and grass-weave wallpaper turn this master bedroom into an indulgence.
Why we love it: The view alone is enough to make us swoon – imagine waking up to that each morning – and the calm colour palette and layers of texture in the linen, wool and grass-weave wallpaper turn this master bedroom into an indulgence.
Pattern and colour have been combined in an entirely original fashion in the bedroom …
… and yes, there’s also an adjoining living area with a harbour view. Relaxation accomplished.
5. Location: Stockholm, Sweden
Why we love it: Lashings of light and pared-back Scandi styling give this bedroom a relaxed feel that encourages lazing about. And the round bed is cause for intrigue.
Why we love it: Lashings of light and pared-back Scandi styling give this bedroom a relaxed feel that encourages lazing about. And the round bed is cause for intrigue.
6. Location: Los Angeles, USA
Why we love it: With an outlook this lovely, there’s little need for adornment. An Eames armchair is a fine choice when there’s a moment to recline, read or listen to the trees.
Why we love it: With an outlook this lovely, there’s little need for adornment. An Eames armchair is a fine choice when there’s a moment to recline, read or listen to the trees.
8. Location: Jakarta, Indonesia
Why we love it: It’s tropical and serene, lavish and palatial. What better way to put you in the holiday mood at home?
Why we love it: It’s tropical and serene, lavish and palatial. What better way to put you in the holiday mood at home?
9. Location: Melbourne, Victoria
Why we love it: Cosy and dark can be just as enticing as large and light-filled, as this glamorous parents’ retreat reveals. A dark- blue palette layered with natural linen bedding and sheer curtains creates an intimate atmosphere worth imitating, and the Euroluce
bedside lamps add a luxe touch.
Why we love it: Cosy and dark can be just as enticing as large and light-filled, as this glamorous parents’ retreat reveals. A dark- blue palette layered with natural linen bedding and sheer curtains creates an intimate atmosphere worth imitating, and the Euroluce
bedside lamps add a luxe touch.
10. Location: Queenstown, New Zealand
Why we love it: With a vista this spectacular, a wide picture window is the only way to go.
Why we love it: With a vista this spectacular, a wide picture window is the only way to go.
11. Location: Hawaii, USA
Why we love it: An ensuite open to the outdoors is all kinds of wonderful.
Why we love it: An ensuite open to the outdoors is all kinds of wonderful.
12. Location: Melbourne, Victoria
Why we love it: A three-sided fireplace creates a retreat within a retreat – you and your partner can be together, or alone together. The important thing is that you have the retreat to yourselves.
Why we love it: A three-sided fireplace creates a retreat within a retreat – you and your partner can be together, or alone together. The important thing is that you have the retreat to yourselves.
13. Location: Vancouver, Canada
Why we love it: Because who doesn’t like to snuggle up in the sun reading a great novel without interruption?
Why we love it: Because who doesn’t like to snuggle up in the sun reading a great novel without interruption?
14. Location: Brisbane, Queensland
Why we love it: You can supervise from afar and join in when you’re good and ready – preferably after a lie-down.
Why we love it: You can supervise from afar and join in when you’re good and ready – preferably after a lie-down.
15. Location: Boston, USA
Why we love it: A fireplace and an outdoor bathroom? Yes please.
Why we love it: A fireplace and an outdoor bathroom? Yes please.
16. Location: Washington, USA
Why we love it: Talk about feeling at one with nature… this room was designed to make the inhabitants feel like they’re living in a tree house.
Why we love it: Talk about feeling at one with nature… this room was designed to make the inhabitants feel like they’re living in a tree house.
17. Location: Sweden
Why we love it: This bedroom opens out onto a waterside sun terrace reserved just for the parents. Kids can visit, of course, but it’s by invitation only. A glass balustrade makes the most of the view and prevents spills overboard.
Why we love it: This bedroom opens out onto a waterside sun terrace reserved just for the parents. Kids can visit, of course, but it’s by invitation only. A glass balustrade makes the most of the view and prevents spills overboard.
18. Location: Auckland, New Zealand
Why we love it: Black-framed windows and doors ‘disappear’ and draw your eyes out to the view…
Why we love it: Black-framed windows and doors ‘disappear’ and draw your eyes out to the view…
… an approach that makes total sense in a jaw-dropping location.
19. Location: Vancouver, Canada
Why we love it: The natural beauty of timber takes centre stage in this bedroom, giving it a welcoming glow day or night.
Why we love it: The natural beauty of timber takes centre stage in this bedroom, giving it a welcoming glow day or night.
20. Location: Madrid, Spain
Why we love it: A bedroom doesn’t need to be oversized to feel like a retreat. Just add books.
Your say
Tell us which retreat you like best in the Comments section below, or simply like, share or bookmark it. Which other spaces would you like to see in our ‘best of’ series? Your wish is our command.
More
Best of the week: Beautiful spaces inside and out
Why we love it: A bedroom doesn’t need to be oversized to feel like a retreat. Just add books.
Your say
Tell us which retreat you like best in the Comments section below, or simply like, share or bookmark it. Which other spaces would you like to see in our ‘best of’ series? Your wish is our command.
More
Best of the week: Beautiful spaces inside and out
Why we love it: Something as simple as a window seat can encourage you to steal a moment or two on your own.