Husband of RG

M, the constant travel (and life) partner

I know there is some curiosity about the person mostly referred to as M, Mango or simply the husband. Who is this mysterious person who shows up in photos from our different stays around the world. His full name is Magnus and he is basically my husband and the one that keeps me grounded, makes me laugh, makes me look at things with new perspectives, keeps me active and who makes my life so much better in every single aspect. It also doesn’t hurt that he is one really good looking chap, who I love to bits.

Firstly, how is it to be the trailing spouse of a hotel fanatic?

It’s extremely demanding. You might think that it’s glamorous and easy-breezy, but it’s quite the opposite… Just kidding! Since Robert has always been addicted to hotels (at least for as long as I have known him which is over 25 years), I’m used to his passion for travelling and exploring new places around the world. We both travel a lot in our jobs so I think we share the interest for having relaxed, comfortable and inspirational stays when we are on holiday. Robert’s interest for research and planning is extensive and thorough and arriving at all these amazing hotels is just pure joy.

And you know what, it was actually my suggestion that Robert ought to start this blog. During the pandemic (when we lived in the Netherlands and there was a full lockdown) I thought it would be good to start a new hobby. And he did. So you are all welcome!

*The husband and me hanging out in Shibuya, Tokyo*

What hotel were you staying at when you first realized that you were also a hotel-fanatic?

I think it was when going up the mountain with the gondola to a hotel called Vigilius (pictured below). To reach the hotel you need to catch a gondola from the valley. Flying over trees, meadows, cows and watching the South Tyrolean landscape was incredible and felt very unique. I remember seeing the building made to look like a fallen tree, resting high up on this mountain top. This was probably the moment when I joined the HFC (Hotel Fanatics Club).

*It was on his way to this hotel, Vigilius that M realized he was hooked and part of the Hotel Fanatics Club*

What kind of hotel do you usually go for?

It’s a hotel that integrates the surroundings. A hotel in the nature. It could be any kind of climate (hot or cold), in the desert or by the seaside. I like to have space around me. That helps me to lower my shoulders.

I also like a hotel where the owners are present. Since I have my own business I’m very inspired by people that are present in the daily tasks of the hotel either when checking in, making coffee or mingling at the evening dinner. Just like with Aggershøj (pictured below).

Adults-only. Hey, kids are great but I do tend to appreciate the tranquility of hotels that are adults-only.

*M loves when the owners of a hotel are involved in the every day operations. Like at this place, Aggershøj on the Danish island of Ærø.*

3 of your musts when staying at a hotel?

Morning coffee 2 minutes past waking up. A great coffee is a must and the dream is to put on a robe and glide into the reception area to fill up two cups of newly brewed coffee and return to bed. It’s the taste and the smell that does it for me.

Quiet and cold room. I prioritize a good night’s sleep and that includes no noise and being able to sleep with an open window. Sensing a cold breeze is a kind of luxury.

I really appreciate hotels that have a design that is timeless. Robust materials and an ambition to integrate sustainable materials where there is a possibility for a healthy stay and you can exercise indoors/outdoors.

*A must for M: coffee. And preferably the minute he wakes up. And if possible to enjoy the first cup in combination with a dip, like here at Svinkløv, Denmark, M is a very happy man*.

What has been your most memorable hotel stay thus far? And why?

Staying in a hotel goes beyond design and service, it’s about context and the people that are around you. I think it was very special when we stayed at Place to Read in the countryside in Iceland (we travelled with our friends Jack & Tanja). We were the first guests to ever stay here and they were still working on the last part of the building/decoration. It was difficult to locate, our GPS kept leading us in the wrong direction and we were very luck to have a four-wheel driven car… Finally we arrived and made a fire in the open fire-place, had a sauna and cooked our own dinner which was all incredibly cozy. It was freezing cold weather and exploring the volcanic landscape right next to the house was beautiful, all dressed up in three layers of Gore-tex, fleece and wind stopper.

*The surreal “Place to Read”, in western Iceland*

Since you have stayed at more or less all of the hotels featured on SbRG, which one is your favorite (ok, you can pick three)?

Super difficult questions. But I love a good challenge. Here we go!

Juvet Landscape Hotel in Valldal, Norway

Out of the hotels listed on Selected by RG which you didn’t stay at (since I sometimes travel without you. How dare I, right!?) are on the top of your wish list to visit?

Here are four hotels that look amazing where I wasn’t able to join:

The Pig at Combe / Honiton, UK. The English countryside is adorable. Rolling hills, cozy hotels and cute public houses.

L’Arlatan / Arles, France. The colour palette looks extraordinary at this French pearl. Very different.

Parc Hotel Billia / Saint-Vincent, Italy. Italy and mountains. Can never go wrong.

Il Palazzo Experimental / Venezia, Italy. I think the location seems great. In central Venice but a little bit away from all the tourists. Stunning views of the water.

Are there any hotels you think should be featured on Selected by RG in the future?

Yes! I would like to have more remote hotels, far off the beaten track.