Where your holiday accommodation becomes the destination in itself.
06.07.2026The summer holidays are just round the corner – and with them comes the question of where to spend them. For lovers of extraordinary spaces, it’s worth looking beyond the traditional holiday brochures this year: at holiday homes that become an experience in themselves. And for anyone enjoying the summer in the Engadin, there’s also a special invitation to St. Moritz.
Holidays as a search for that special place
A holiday home is no longer merely accommodation, but increasingly an expression of a certain mindset: travellers don’t just want to stay anywhere, but in a place that tells its own story. This is precisely where the concept of holydayarchitecture comes in – the leading web portal for architecturally exemplary holiday homes. The platform specialises in showcasing and curating architecturally outstanding holiday homes, guesthouses and hotels. For many years, it has been offering exceptional holiday homes throughout Europe and beyond – from listed country estates to minimalist new builds, from tower houses with distinctive character to energy-self-sufficient solar-powered holiday homes.
The basic idea: homes with character rather than off-the-peg properties
Urlaubsarchitektur’s mission can be summed up in a simple formula: a special network for special homes. The focus is not on the size or level of luxury of a property, but on its architectural individuality – the successful fusion of location, history and design excellence. The portal is complemented by editorial features, in which architects and designers share their views in interviews and selected properties are profiled in feature articles. This offers a glimpse behind the façades – both literally and figuratively.
From screen to bookshelf: the latest book
Anyone wishing to experience the fascination of extraordinary holiday architecture away from the screen will find it in the latest coffee-table book in the “Houses and People” series: featuring a new design and, for the first time, accompanied by its own magazine as a supplement, bound in a high-quality hardback with a linen cover. Across 252 pages, 28 selected holiday homes in Europe are presented – places that go far beyond their mere function as accommodation, including a tower house with a cinematic flair and a solar-powered holiday home in Chiemgau. For the first time, the accompanying magazine focuses on the people behind the projects: hosts, architects and creative minds with a clear vision. The book is available in bookshops and in the Urlaubsarchitektur online shop – a source of inspiration not only for planning your own holidays, but also for anyone wishing to design a special home of their own.
In collaboration with the artist Jana Gunstheimer, a limited edition has been created that transforms the book from a classic architectural compendium into a tactile, colour-led journey. Her work is not merely decorative, but an integral part of the narrative that sets places and perspectives in motion.
The book’s publication is accompanied by the corresponding artwork “Lost in Transformation” by Jana Gunstheimer, which can be purchased separately in a signed, limited edition. The book and the artwork are closely interwoven and were created through a constant dialogue between the editorial team, the artist and the graphic designer – “Art in Progress”. Excerpts from the artwork feature on the cover of our new publication, which is available in eight different versions.
Summer in the Engadin: polo, indulgence and mountain panoramas
Anyone spending their summer holidays in the Engadin can look forward to a special highlight this year. When the Engadin mountains are at their most resplendent in summer, St. Moritz becomes the stage for the Country Summer Polo Cup. From 24 to 26 July, visitors to the San Gian equestrian grounds can look forward to fast-paced chukkas, culinary delights and family fun – with thoughtful highlights for guests of all ages in a relaxed atmosphere.
Six international teams will compete against each other in the elegant low-goal division, whilst in the Polo Village, from 11 am to 4 pm, shops, exhibitions and a diverse range of culinary delights invite you to linger. The matches themselves take place daily between 12 noon and 4 pm – accompanied by live music and a carefree country and picnic atmosphere, which makes St. Moritz a destination for equestrian sport of the highest calibre even in summer. For families, there are also free children’s activities and pony rides at the weekend – admission to the tournament is free.
Visiting the Wüst und Wüst Lounge
You are warmly welcome to visit the Wüst und Wüst Lounge on these days. Simply pop in or register via the registration link. We look forward to experiencing this special summer moment with you against the backdrop of the Engadin mountains.