The USA is one of the most varied and fascinating countries in the world. Its areas of natural beauty such as the Pacific Coast, the Yosemite National Park, and Monument Valley are the stuff of great cinema (Hollywood finds its best settings practically in its backyard). For everyone who explores the USA beyond its big cities on a classic road trip, on the trail of Native Americans and pioneers, in the mountains or by lakes and beaches, unforgettable moments are guaranteed. In Great Escapes USA, Angelika Taschen presents remarkable places to stay through impressive photography, entertaining texts, and practical details on how to get there, prices, and tips for books and films. Her journey starts on the East Coast, where intellectuals and artists once met in idyllically located country houses such as the Twin Farms in Vermont and Troutbeck in New York State. It continues to the South, where The Moorings Village and Hotel Peter & Paul, for example, tell of the history of Florida and Louisiana, and Southern belles such as the Commodore Perry Estate in Austin, Texas reveal their glamor. Dunton Hot Springs, once a miners' camp in Colorado, now transformed from a ghost town to an upscale rustic resort, lies on the route, just like the urban utopia that is Arcosanti in Arizona, conceived by the architect Paolo Soleri in the 1970s. The trip comes to a wonderful conclusion in California with unique hotels such as Deetjen's Big Sur Inn, where many famous writers have stayed in the Norwegian-influenced wooden cabins, laid-back motels like The Surfrider Malibu, which is all about the California dream, and heavenly destinations for gourmets, for example SingleThread in Sonoma County with its three Michelin stars. The photography in this opulent publication presents hotels in the tradition of great architects such as Frank Lloyd Wright as well as the work of young contemporary designers and buildings in the typical American mid-century style. A horse ranch, a glamping site, even a hippie bathhouse and vintage mobile homes are also included - places as varied as the USA itself!

The Alps are Europe's biggest and greatest mountain range. Formed millions of years ago, they became a popular destination for travelers in the late eighteenth century - first for adventurers and explorers, then for artists and writers, and finally for everyone who wanted to spend summer in the fresh air of this wonderful scenery or take part in winter sports. Angelika Taschen has followed in their footsteps and collected the finest hotels in the Alpine nations of Germany, Austria, Switzerland, France, and Italy. They include the Kranzbach near Garmisch-Partenkirchen, built for a British aristocrat, Gasthof Hirschen in the Bregenzerwald, where art-loving visitors have been welcomed since 1755, and the Seehof near Salzburg with its emphasis on contemporary art and fine cuisine. The journey goes to Waldhaus Sils in Sils Maria, where many creative guests have found inspiration, to the Schatzalp in Davos, which Thomas Mann immortalized in literature in "The Magic Mountain", and to picturesque bed & breakfasts with a personal touch such as Brucke49 in Vals and Maison Bergdorf in Interlaken. High above Chamonix, mountaineers have stayed overnight for more than 140 years at Refuge du Montenvers with its view of the Mer de Glace, the largest glacier in France. In the exclusive Megeve, too, which Baroness Noemie de Rothschild put on the tourist map, travelers experience the Alps a la francaise in the chalet hotel L'Alpaga; and a bit of Italian dolce vita is provided by stunning addresses in the South Tyrol such as the Ottmangut in Merano, Villa Arnica in Lana with its nostalgic atmosphere, and Pension Briol near Barbiano, constructed in 1928 in the Bauhaus style and extended in 2021 with the addition of two extremely modern buildings. This opulent book of photographs presents the Alpine range and accommodation in large-format images, short texts, and useful details on prices and how to get there. Walkers, skiers, gourmets, and lovers of good living will find valuable tips and very special accommodation: former monasteries where guests still find peace and seclusion, a mountain hut at the heart of the Dolomites, and a youth hostel occupying what was once a sanatorium, a rare example of modern architecture in Switzerland that was declared a heritage monument in 2002.

To travel through Italy is as close as one gets to being in paradise. For centuries, writers, artists, architects, and merchants have been drawn here, inspired by the beauty of Venice, Florence, Naples, and Rome. Countless books, paintings, poems, and sculptures are evidence of its undying appeal, and over the past 60 years, the country has become one of the world's top travel and holiday destinations. The loveliness of Italy is, if not eternal, certainly enduring, and the easygoing and relaxed Italian lifestyle is still unrivaled. Here, some of Italy's most amazing landscapes and diverse regions are brought to life, like Tuscany, Umbria, the Amalfi Coast, and, no less magical, the Aeolian Islands off the coast of Sicily. In these mythical surroundings are legendary hotels full of atmosphere, where novels are set, movies are made, weddings are celebrated, and famous love stories consummated: Villa d'Este on Lake Como, the Pellicano Hotel in Porto Ercole, the Il San Pietro on the Amalfi Coast, and the Palazzo Margherita in Basilicata-to name just a few. Angelika Taschen also reveals where to find more secret and hidden jewels-from the Locanda Cipriani, a destination for food lovers on the island of Torcello, to the romantic Castello di Vicarello in Tuscany and the atmospheric Masseria Moroseta in Puglia.

So rich and unique is traditional Japanese architecture that it's nearly impossible to improve upon. Yet contemporary Japanese designers and architects keep finding fresh approaches to refurbish and take inspiration from the ways of old. Whether it's a pristinely preserved traditional house or a sleek modern apartment, the best Japanese homes share a love of cleverly designed spaces and warm materials like wood, brick, and bamboo. From a thatched roof farmhouse occupied by a Zen priest to Tadao Ando's experimental 4x4 House, from Shigeru Ban's conceptual Shutter House to a beautiful domestic homage to bamboo, this elegant compendium traverses the multifaceted landscape of Japanese living today. Enriched by 170 brand new, unpublished photographs, this edition takes you on breathtaking journey through the Land of the Rising Sun-complete with a list of addresses, should you wish to undertake this journey to Japan's most fascinating inns and homes yourself. An insightful glossary of key terms, such as tatami, shoji, and noren, will also help you come to grips with all elements of Japan's unique aesthetic of Eastern minimalism. About the series TASCHEN is 40! Since we started our work as cultural archaeologists in 1980, TASCHEN has become synonymous with accessible publishing, helping bookworms around the world curate their own library of art, anthropology, and aphrodisia at an unbeatable price. Today we celebrate 40 years of incredible books by staying true to our company credo. The 40 series presents new editions of some of the stars of our program-now more compact, friendly in price, and still realized with the same commitment to impeccable production.

South of the border, rich colors and woven textiles form a unique design aesthetic, crafted by the union of local Aztec and Mayan cultures and Spanish influences. Bold pigments and vivid patterns come together in simple and rustic spaces, resulting in a way of living that is both invigorating and homely; an authentic Mexican style. The dynamic writer and photographer duo Barbara and Rene Stoeltie have struck gold again-this time with a truly breathtaking look at Mexico's most remarkable abodes. Traveling far and wide, from Costa Careyes to the Yucatan Peninsula, this photographic journey will surprise, delight, and inspire you. From the home of Constructivist architect Luis Barragan, a restored 16th-century hacienda, to a traditional Mayan thatched-roof dwelling, the contrast of styles within the pages of this book are testament to the country's vibrantly diverse palette of textures and hues. With many new images, some never published before, prepare to be transported to the heart of lush and eclectic Mexico. About the series TASCHEN is 40! Since we started our work as cultural archaeologists in 1980, TASCHEN has become synonymous with accessible publishing, helping bookworms around the world curate their own library of art, anthropology, and aphrodisia at an unbeatable price. Today we celebrate 40 years of incredible books by staying true to our company credo. The 40 series presents new editions of some of the stars of our program-now more compact, friendly in price, and still realized with the same commitment to impeccable production.

Loved by travelers for its lush tropical scenery and charming people, Bali is one of the most magnificent places on Earth. Spirituality and nature are integral parts of everyday life for the Balinese, so one can easily see why the island's traditional architecture has a peaceful presence to it, mimicking its surroundings and sometimes blending in with them. When it comes to Balinese houses, walls are not compulsory, wood is everywhere, earth tones are dominant, and thatched roofs abound. Opening onto gorgeous green landscapes, majestic mountains, or beautiful coastlines, the homes herein ooze relaxing, contemplative vibes. This portfolio of Southeast Asian living features a swath of fresh and inspiring photographs and comes in a compact size, so you can take a little bit of paradise with you wherever you go. Gazing at these opulent examples of simple and elegant living, it's a wonder why more people aren't rushing to move to Bali. About the series TASCHEN is 40! Since we started our work as cultural archaeologists in 1980, TASCHEN has become synonymous with accessible publishing, helping bookworms around the world curate their own library of art, anthropology, and aphrodisia at an unbeatable price. Today we celebrate 40 years of incredible books by staying true to our company credo. The 40 series presents new editions of some of the stars of our program-now more compact, friendly in price, and still realized with the same commitment to impeccable production.

Nestled in the south of France, bordering the Mediterranean Sea, is a land renowned for its lavender fields, fine cuisine, golden sun, and dreamy landscapes. The region of Provence has inspired such masters as Alphonse Daudet and Vincent van Gogh. So enthralled was Paul Cézanne by the Mont Sainte-Victoire that he immortalized it in a series of paintings. We enter his Provence studio, which still looks the same as it did over a century ago, as well as the house where Frédéric Mistral, 1904 Nobel Prize winner, lived and wrote. We also admire the wrought-iron staircase and embroidered curtains of the Hotel Nord-Pinus in Arles, which hosted the likes of Napoleon III, Jean Cocteau, and Picasso. Across picturesque villages perched atop rocky hillsides, quaint gardens filled with olive trees and the heady scent of lavender, tiled rooftop terraces and warm, ochre tones: this book gathers the region’s most remarkable homes and interiors and paints a gorgeous picture of Provençal living.

Under the burning Tuscan sun roll marvelous hills, vineyards, and olive groves—all postcard-perfect landscapes nestling centuries-old towns, rural villas, and contadino farmhouses. We’ve tracked down the best examples of such havens to paint a warm-hued picture of the look and feel of Tuscan living. Follow in Michelangelo’s footsteps to the Eremo Santa Maria Maddalena, a medieval hermitage nestled in the steep Arezzo hillside. Take a dip in the California-style pool of Roberto Budini Gattai, the architect who turned a modest winegrower’s house into a dazzling homage to David Hockney. Cool down in the tiled bedrooms of the Villa Villoresi, where, legend has it, Dante’s wife took refuge during the poet’s exile in the early 14th century. This collection gathers the region’s most remarkable homes and interiors, complete with insightful captions and enthralling double spreads. Across contemporary architecture and traditional craftsmanship, minimal earthenware and decadent furniture, we discover all the natural tones and sun-kissed textures of Tuscany.

Looking for a vacation that leaves you relaxed, restored, and uplifted? In this gorgeous updated guide, Angelika Taschen gathers the most exquisite and inspirational yoga retreats around the world, from an exotic luxury hotel in Bhutan to a spiritual ashram in India, a beach resort in Mexico to a tucked-away treasure in Brazil's tropical forests. Highlights include the Parmarth Niketan Ashram in Rishikesh-one of the holy cities of the Ganges and a renowned pilgrimage site where the Beatles attended the Maharishi's ashram in 1968; and Santani, a 48-acre former tea plantation in Sri Lanka where restorative bliss meets the highest sustainable and eco-standards. Italy is not just a destination for the cultural and culinary traveler but also for the dedicated yogi: Santa Maria del Sole in Puglia strike a balance between yoga and the sensual Italian lifestyle. A hidden gem in the high planes of Brazil, Alto Paraiso is nestled in lush tropical forest, home to some of the world's most diverse flora and fauna. The Esalen Institute in Big Sur is a legendary New Age destination, offering yoga and much more, with over 500 spiritual and physical workshops; Kretashala, one of Europe's most popular sites for Vinyasa Yoga, offers authentic Cretan cuisine and breathtaking views of the endless expanse of the Libyan sea; while Amansala's Bikini Boot Camp in Tulum, Mexico, combines beach life with yoga classes.

Latin America is a cradle of ancient civilizations like those of the Incas, Maya and Aztecs, and later became the goal of European explorers and immigrants. It looks back on a long history, often full of contrasts and contradictions, but also has a very special multicultural atmosphere. This book presents unique, almost breathtakingly beautiful landscapes and places with extraordinary hotels. Short texts and practical information complement the superb photos. The places to stay shown here include the Anavilhanas Jungle Lodge in the Brazilian Amazon and the Uxua on the beach of Trancoso, for which a Dutch designer has transformed historic buildings into villas in ethnic style. Big Bang in Uruguay is a wonderful place for glamping between the ocean and the forest. The elegant vacation destinations of this country are home to the Fasano Punta del Este by the architect Isay Weinfeld and the Posada Ayana, where the American Land Art star James Turrell has installed one of his famous Skyspaces on the estate. This journey also goes to the Explora El Chalten at the foot of Monte Fitz Roy in rugged Patagonia, to the Tierra Atacama in the world's driest desert in Chile, to the mid-century classic Antumalal, and to Easter Island, guarded since time immemorial by the huge stone sculptures of the Moai. In Peru visitors follow in the footsteps of the Incas through Valle Sagrado, site of the ruined city of Machu Picchu, and get to know the indigenous Achuar people in Ecuador while staying at the Kapawi Ecolodge. The itinerary also takes in Columbia - with the picturesque Hotel San Pedro de Majagua on Isla Grande. At the Nantipa in Costa Rica, three friends have made their dream of the ideal beach hotel come true, and in Nicaragua an American brother and sister have found their own paradise on a private island, the Isleta El Espino. This book would not be complete without Mexico, of course - including, for example, Alberto Kalach's spectacular Hotel Terrestre in Puerto Escondido, the eclectic Meson Hidalgo combining a bed & breakfast with boutiques in San Miguel de Allende, and the luxurious, laid-back Hotel San Cristobal Baja in Todos Santos.

Latin America is a cradle of ancient civilizations like those of the Incas, Maya and Aztecs, and later became the goal of European explorers and immigrants. It looks back on a long history, often full of contrasts and contradictions, but also has a very special multicultural atmosphere. This book presents unique, almost breathtakingly beautiful landscapes and places with extraordinary hotels. Short texts and practical information complement the superb photos. The places to stay shown here include the Anavilhanas Jungle Lodge in the Brazilian Amazon and the Uxua on the beach of Trancoso, for which a Dutch designer has transformed historic buildings into villas in ethnic style. Big Bang in Uruguay is a wonderful place for glamping between the ocean and the forest. The elegant vacation destinations of this country are home to the Fasano Punta del Este by the architect Isay Weinfeld and the Posada Ayana, where the American Land Art star James Turrell has installed one of his famous Skyspaces on the estate. This journey also goes to the Explora El Chalten at the foot of Monte Fitz Roy in rugged Patagonia, to the Tierra Atacama in the world's driest desert in Chile, to the mid-century classic Antumalal, and to Easter Island, guarded since time immemorial by the huge stone sculptures of the Moai. In Peru visitors follow in the footsteps of the Incas through Valle Sagrado, site of the ruined city of Machu Picchu, and get to know the indigenous Achuar people in Ecuador while staying at the Kapawi Ecolodge. The itinerary also takes in Columbia - with the picturesque Hotel San Pedro de Majagua on Isla Grande. At the Nantipa in Costa Rica, three friends have made their dream of the ideal beach hotel come true, and in Nicaragua an American brother and sister have found their own paradise on a private island, the Isleta El Espino. This book would not be complete without Mexico, of course - including, for example, Alberto Kalach's spectacular Hotel Terrestre in Puerto Escondido, the eclectic Meson Hidalgo combining a bed & breakfast with boutiques in San Miguel de Allende, and the luxurious, laid-back Hotel San Cristobal Baja in Todos Santos.

Though it lies just across the Mediterranean from Europe, barely a stone's throw from Spain's southernmost tip, Morocco couldn't possibly be farther away. With its mountainous and desert landscapes, labyrinthine souks, delectable cuisine, exquisite rugs and textiles, vibrant mosaics, fragrant odors, mesmerizing music, and welcoming people, Morocco is a most alluring and tantalizingly exotic destination. Digging a little deeper into the myth of Morocco, Barbara and Rene Stoeltie bring us this eclectic selection of homes to demonstrate all that is most wonderful about the Moroccan style: from tiled, turquoise swimming pools and lavish gardens to carved wooden furniture and jade-colored marble fountains. With more than 500 pages featuring stunning, inspiring photographs, flipping through these fairy tale-like visions of exotic havens (ideally while sipping a steaming cup of sweet, fragrant mint tea) will instantly whisk you away. About the series TASCHEN is 40! Since we started our work as cultural archaeologists in 1980, TASCHEN has become synonymous with accessible publishing, helping bookworms around the world curate their own library of art, anthropology, and aphrodisia at an unbeatable price. Today we celebrate 40 years of incredible books by staying true to our company credo. The 40 series presents new editions of some of the stars of our program-now more compact, friendly in price, and still realized with the same commitment to impeccable production.

Greece's ancient art and culture form the cradle of Western civilization-numerous monuments and museums tell to this day of the country's rich history. Greece is unique also by virtue of its breathtaking landscapes, the hospitality of its inhabitants, and its fabulous hotels, making it the dream destination of many travelers. The fresh and healthy cuisine, the crystal clear sea, and the canvas-worthy sunsets do the rest-a trip to Greece is pure delight. Angelika Taschen travels from the mountains of Macedonia in the north to the Peloponnese with its mythical places like Corinth, Sparta, and Olympia, and to the larger and smaller groups of islands in the south. She opens the doors to some of the country's most extraordinary hotels, including Imaret in Kavala, located in a former Ottoman complex; Tainaron Blue Retreat in a secluded former defense tower in the Mani; and The Windmill, a converted windmill on the island of Kimolos in the Cyclades. She invites readers to discover legendary luxury hotels, like Eagles Palace in Halkidiki or Poseidonion Grand Hotel on Spetses, and takes them to enchanting B&Bs like Guesthouse Mazaraki in Mystras or Melisses on Andros, run by food blogger Allegra Pomilio. Along her itinerary, she visits hotels on well-known picturesque islands-such as the Mystique on Santorini and the Soho Roc House on Mykonos-but also accommodations in remote places like the Mediterraneo on the island of Kastelorizo, which lies in the very southeast of Greece off the Turkish coast. In addition she shows interesting architectural and design concepts, such as The Rou Estate hotel village, a historic, carefully restored hamlet on Corfu; the minimalist Olea All Suite Hotel on Zakynthos; and Ammos on Crete, where no two pieces of furniture are alike and new eccentric pieces are added every year.

The Mediterranean is surrounded by three continents - Europe, Africa and Asia - and even though the cultures around this sea are highly diverse, they harmoniously share a pleasant climate, distinctive flora and fauna, and not least the intense blue of the water. Angelika Taschen set out in search of the most beautiful hotels on a great variety of coasts, islands and beaches, taking you on a journey to the luxurious Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc and the ultra-chic Les Roches Rouges on the Cote d'Azur, to the little-known Pardini's Hermitage on the Italian island of Giglio, which is only accessible by boat or on foot, and to Bodrum in Turkey, where the elegant Amanruya resort lies hidden in one of the most stunning bays in the Mediterranean. She also presents new hotel concepts, great architecture and creative design - for example the finca Menorca Experimental on the Balearic Islands, the modernist Villa Dubrovnik in Croatia and Dexamenes on the Peloponnese, where new life was breathed into decommissioned wine tanks. Further highlights are the brand-new, stylishly designed Mezzatorre on Ischia and the Torre di Cala Piccola with its enchanting private beach on the Argentario peninsula in Tuscany, an almost unknown location that possesses the aura of 1960s Italy. Another real gem is La Locanda del Barbablu, with just five rooms in the shadow of the mythical volcano on Stromboli. Look forward to staying at the Nord-Pinus in Tangier with its fantastic view of the Strait of Gibraltar, and the charming Coco-Mat Eco Residences on Serifos, or experiencing the originality of Ammos on Crete, where the art and design are as essential as the sun and the beach!

From the Mediterranean Sea to the Indian Ocean, the vast Sahara to the Cape Verde archipelago, Africa offers a lifetime of travel adventures. Whether you're a wide-eyed newcomer or an ever-returning visitor, the continent promises 54 extraordinarily diverse countries, urban creative hubs, phenomenal landscapes, breathtaking wildlife, pristine night skies, and a momentous sense of our human past. This revised and updated TASCHEN guide presents the best hotels across the continent. Through baobab tree bungalows, a Moroccan castle, and an island lodge on Zanzibar, we travel the length and breadth of Africa to find the finest in luxury, charm, and sheer getaway bliss. Each featured hotel is presented with interior and exterior photographs; pricing, service, and contact information; as well as evocative reading recommendations to enrich your sense of place.

Through ancient wonders, world capitals, and tiny places with infectious personalities, Europe packs some serious travel punches. The world's second-smallest continent makes up for size with its intricate cultures and abundant charms, boasting artistic masterpieces and architectural marvels as much as natural splendor. This revised and updated edition brings you a curated selection of the most unique hotels and atmospheric guesthouses across the European continent. Selected for their breathtaking locations and interiors, each haven offers the surroundings of style and the serenity in which everyday life can melt away. Angelika Taschen reveals such gems as Der Seehof, an idyllic site on an Austrian lake where guests can fish for their dinner; a 150-year old Portuguese estate refurbished by Pritzker Prize-winner Eduardo Souto De Moura, which remains a working farm to this day; and Budsjord, last stop on one of the loneliest pilgrimage routes in the world, situated at the edge of the Dovrefjell National Park in Norway-to name just a few. A treasure trove of travel inspiration, this must-have guide profiles each hotel through postcard-ready photography as well as key information like directions, contact details, and reading inspiration for each destination.

From the Mediterranean Sea to the Indian Ocean, the vast Sahara to the Cape Verde archipelago, Africa offers a lifetime of travel adventures. Whether you're a wide-eyed newcomer or an ever-returning visitor, the continent promises 54 extraordinarily diverse countries, urban creative hubs, pristine night skies and wildlife, as well as a momentous sense of our human past. In this visual journey through Africa, we discover glimpses of postcard-ready landscapes, rich culture, and incredible interiors, all spied through the doorways and windows of the continent's most stunning hotels. Angelika Taschen takes us to hidden gems across Mozambique, South Africa, and Ethiopia; from a Tanzanian coffee plantation, where guests can enjoy the ultimate Arabica brew in breathtaking surroundings; the iconic Mount Nelson Hotel in Cape Town, painted pink at the end of the First World War and host to many meditators since; to the moving Serengeti Safari Camp, boasting of just a handful of tents that follow the migrations of wildlife all year round. In this updated guide, we discover each hotel through crisp photography as well as key information including directions, contact details, and recommended reading for each destination.