Welcome Beyond has curated a collection of distinctive properties that capture the growing demand for intimate, design-led escapes, from stargazing in Portugal to secluded Norwegian cabins. Olivia Palamountain reports

A new collection of intimate European hideaways has been unveiled by Welcome Beyond, offering travellers everything from secluded mountain retreats to coastal family villas.

The properties showcase a growing trend for small-scale, architecturally distinctive accommodation that prioritises privacy and natural surroundings.

In Norway's Lofoten Islands, Aurora Cabin provides a secluded mountain experience on the edge of Austvågøya's highest peak, Higravstinden. The wooden cabin, accommodating four adults and two children from £248 per night, serves as a base for activities ranging from fishing excursions to guided photography trips, with direct access to hiking and ski-touring trails.

Estonia's Maidla Nature Resort presents three architecturally designed villas within a 16th-century manor estate. Each villa, priced from £294 per night, features distinct Estonian-inspired designs, with more units planned alongside the renovation of the heritage-listed manor house. The resort specialises in unique experiences including bog exploration and winter sledding.

On Croatia's Dalmatian Coast, Hvar Apartments offers three thoughtfully decorated units near the Old Town, starting from £136 per night. The top-floor Penthouse particularly stands out for its collection of fixtures from former Yugoslav countries, while all apartments provide views of uninhabited islands.

In South Tyrol, Italy, Pension Leuchtenburg has been transformed into an intimate boutique property following a sustainable redesign. Priced from £131 per night, it includes amenities such as daily breakfast, dinner, lakeside meadow access, and wellness facilities.

Hotel Osmoliš in Brsečine, Croatia, combines striking contemporary design with family-friendly features. Located 17km from Dubrovnik, the property offers easy access to popular beaches and the historic Arboretum Trsteno, with rates starting from £265 per night.In Portugal's Alentejo region, the minimalist Villa Castelo caters specifically to families, featuring a child-focused bedroom equipped with toys and games. The modern villa, accommodating 8-10 guests from £995 per night, offers unobstructed views and exceptional stargazing opportunities due to minimal light pollution.

Each property in the collection emphasises connection to its natural environment while maintaining distinctive architectural character and intimate scale, reflecting a broader shift in luxury travel towards more personal, design-conscious experiences.