A memorable place to stay can transform your travel experience – or inspire a staycation right in your own city. Design Stories rounded up a selection of design-driven accommodations, from Finnish hideaways to Mediterranean escapes, from cityscapes to countryside serenity.
In the splash of the waves
Set on the rugged shoreline of Hevossalmi in Helsinki, the Majamaja cabins offer off-grid tranquillity just a bike ride from the city center. Designed by architect Pekka Littow, these minimalist, solar-powered seaside cabins embody Scandinavian serenity, inspired by the surrounding seascape. The modern interiors, created by interior designer Päivi Meuronen and furnished by designer Joska Heikkilä, reflect the same sense of quiet elegance.
Each cabin, perched on rocky shores, sleeps one to three guests and includes a private terrace, a small kitchenette, and an eco bathroom. You can book an individual stay or become a member for repeat getaways.
A night at Finlandia Hall
One of Helsinki’s most iconic buildings, Finlandia Hall, recently underwent a major restoration – and now, this architectural landmark by Alvar Aalto is welcoming overnight guests. Originally built for the staff of the hall, the Finlandia Homes have been carefully renovated in 2025 to reflect their original character, combining timeless Aalto design with fresh contemporary touches. The two apartments, located at the northern end of the building, measure 57 and 45 square metres.
And there’s more: Finland has no shortage of Aalto-designed places to stay. You could extend your Aalto-themed road trip by spending the night at the Paimio Sanatorium, the Säynätsalo Town Hall, or in the historic industrial area of Sunila in Kotka.
• Read more: Alvar Aalto’s Finlandia Hall enters a new era >
Modern lakeside villa
Just an hour’s drive from Helsinki, nestled in the lake district of Karjalohja, lies interior architect Joanna Laajisto’s family retreat Villa Rauhanniemi, which is occasionally available for Airbnb stays. This nearly 100-square-metre designer villa sits on a rocky hilltop and provides a serene setting for groups and families alike.
The interior, also designed by Laajisto, puts the spotlight on natural materials and quality design – from vintage classics and heirloom pieces to the best of contemporary style. And of course, an authentic Finnish villa wouldn’t be complete without a sauna and a deck right by the lake.
• Read more: The modern leisure home of Joanna Laajisto and Mikko Ryhänen >
A design oasis in Morocco
The trending Barcelona-based Hotel Brummell has expanded into Morocco with not just one, but two locations: the five-room Riad Brummell Medina tucked away in Marrakech’s historic old town, and the modern, eight-room Maison Brummell Majorelle a little further from the bustle.
Designed in collaboration between New Zealand-based architect Bergendy Cooke and Moroccan Amine Abouraoui, Maison Brummell Majorelle blends local craftsmanship with global design in a calming, contemporary palette. Inspired by Arabic architecture and the city’s ancient walls, the hotel’s façade is defined by geometric details and a warm, earthy red tone. Inside, this intimate retreat offers a classic Moroccan restaurant, a hammam spa, and a swimming pool – ideal for relaxing between explorations of the vibrant bazaars.
Cabin living, Prouvé style
Fancy experiencing cabin life in a truly unique setting? In the charming town of St-Paul-de-Vence, near Nice in the south of France, you can spend the night in a demountable house designed in 1944 by the legendary Jean Prouvé. This character-filled, 6 x 6 meter wooden house is, naturally, furnished with original Prouvé pieces. A separate bathroom, designed by architect Charles Zana, is located on the other side of the garden.
The Maison Prouvé sits amid the grounds of Fondation CAB St-Paul-de-Vence, a modern art center housed in 1950s buildings. The foundation showcases rotating exhibitions spanning from early 20th-century constructivism to contemporary minimalist art.
• Read more: Jean Prouvé was a design experimenter >
A surreal take on urban living
Throughout his career, Spanish architect Ricardo Bofill designed a number of visionary buildings – one of the boldest and most surreal being Walden 7, completed in 1975 in the small town of Sant Just Desvern. This labyrinthine residential complex is not only an architectural landmark but also a utopian experiment: Bofill’s vision was to create a new model for modern, community-oriented urban living.
The building’s foundation lies in modular studio apartments of 30 square meters, with larger units created by combining modules horizontally or vertically. This massive complex, painted in rich reds and blues, comprises 18 towers, 5 inner courtyards, 2 rooftop pools, and 446 apartments – some of which are available to rent on Airbnb.
• Read more: Walden 7 reflects Ricardo Bofill’s visions >
Scandi vibes in Paris
If you’re looking for a stylish stay in the heart of Paris, consider the newly opened Hotel Filigrane, which began welcoming guests in early 2025. The hotel is located next to the French National Library and just a short walk from the Louvre.
This four-star boutique hotel features 43 rooms and thoughtfully designed common areas, all styled with bold graphics and richly layered textiles – some of which may strike a familiar chord for friends of Nordic design. That’s because many of them are by Finnish textile artist Johanna Gullichsen. Rounding out the experience is a wellness area complete with a pool and steam room – a calm retreat after a day in the city.
More gems to explore:
- Johanna Gullichsen Helsinki home: A designer home close to the Helsinki city centre.
- J. Hayón art / residence: Designer Jaime Hayón’s creative residence in Valencia, Spain.
- Le Corbusier Hotel: A UNESCO-listed hotel in Marseille, designed by the legendary French architect.
- Eppstein House: A beautifully preserved mid-century home by Frank Lloyd Wright in South Haven, Michigan.
- Villa Vista Mirissa: A stunning luxury villa in Sri Lanka designed by architect Shigeru Ban.
Text: Nora Uotila