The Baltic Sea has gained rapidly in importance as a travel destination in recent years. More and more people appreciate the diversity found among urban designer hubs, sleepy and cozy villages, and ever-changing coastal strips. The new volume in the series on design retreats shows destinations away from mass tourism with a focus around the Great Belt.

Both an architectural and a travel guide, this volume offers inspiration and promises to fulfill the longing for peace, solitude and variety – for holidays spent at a farmstead on the dyke, above the sea on a crane, or in a fancy loft in Copenhagen. The common denominators among all accommodations presented here are a convincing design and a special location by the Baltic Sea.

The "Where Architects Stay"- Series heads towards the Water: Stylish vacation accommodations in the Baltic Sea region where architects would stay themselves when traveling.

- Kaj Hotel in Copenhagen, Denmark (Karl Smith-Meyer)
- Captain's House in Wieck a. Darß, Germany (Eva Feß-Hollenbach)
- House Birkedal on Møn, Denmark (Jan Henrik Jansen)
- Åhus Gästgivaregård, Sweden (Lena Nyholm)
- Smucke Steed in Glücksburg, Germany (Johanna Putensen)

It bodes well when architecture meets vacation. It is a combination that promises relaxation and pleasure, inspiration and style, all in one.

Every one of the more than 60 vacation domiciles presented in this guide to architecture and accommodation is a unique jewel that meets, perhaps even exceeds, the high esthetic expectations of the travelling architect. A brief encounter with any one of these will make the heart of every design enthusiast beat a little faster.

Each of these very special lodgings is distinguished by the highest stylistic quality, personal touches, originality and passion for detail: Whether minimalist, experimental, posh or lavish; whether newly built or refurbished; whether houseboat, luxury loft or treehouse; whether one-time church, vineyard, mill or pump room; whether located in the trendiest metropolis, high in the mountains or on a remote coastline; whether holiday home, resort, glamping or bed and breakfast...

From the Content:
 - See 31 in Traunkirchen, Austria (Lakonis Architekten)
 - Mill House in Stalham, England (Acme)
 - Tepoztlán Lounge in Mexico (Cadaval & Solà-Morales)
 - Tower House on Mani Peninsula, Greece (Z-level, Elena Zervoudakis)
 - Manshausen Island Resort in Steigen, Norway (Stinessen Arkitektur)

People have always been fascinated by the mountains. They are a source of strength and a symbol of freedom, the perfect setting for an in-depth time-out, for self-discovery, or the sporting challenge. Beyond the hustle and bustle of everyday life, the beauty of nature offers inspiration and relaxation.

In the setting of the Alps, this volume presents wonderful new accommodations with powerful design ideas that have been consistently applied. The architecture enters into a dialog with the mountains and appears sometimes archaically rough, wooden and close to nature, or also with contrasting shapes and materials. Despite the many different concepts, the presented projects are always distinguished by their high-quality design, their uniqueness, and their individuality.

From the Content:

- Campra Alpine Lodge & Spa, Switzerland (Durisch + Nolli)
- Odles Lodge in Brixen/Bressano, Italy (bergmeisterwolf)
- Alpine Shelter Skuta, Slovenia (Ofis Architects)
- Tannerhof in Bayerischzell Germany (Florian Nagler)
- SEE 31 in Traunstein, Austria (Lakonis Architekten)

Whether vibrant cities or quiet rural idyllic scenes, extensive coastlines or snowy mountain ranges: Europe’s diversity of cultures and landscapes has always been appreciated by travel enthusiasts from around the world. This volume is a journey of discovery to the most enchanting holiday residences whose architecture and interior design turn a vacation into a perfect experience.

Classic jewels like the Iberian finca or the Scandinavian city loft make the hearts of design aficionados beat faster. Outdoor enthusiasts are thrilled by exceptionally designed tree houses or exclusive alpine huts, while individual travelers enjoy temporary bliss in stylish redecorated or converted sheds or former mills and harbor cranes. All projects presented in this architecture and travel guide inspire architects as well as globetrotters and are at the same time representative of the diverse beauty of the old continent.

 - ÖÖD in Tallinn, Estonia (Jaak Tiik & Andreas Tiik)
 - Bassivière Barn Chic in Saint-Étienne-de-Villeréa, France (Laura and Niels Aben)
 - Vipp Loft in Copenhagen, Denmark (Vipp)
 - Landhaus Fergitz in Gerswalde, Germany (Thomas Kröger Architekten)
 - 7132 Hotel in Valais, Switzerland (Peter Zumthor, Kengo Kuma, Tadao Ando and Thom Mayne)