Though architectural design might not seem to be one of the top criteria for choosing a hotel or resort for most travellers, for the design-conscious customer it is a key priority, especially in the field of luxury travel. More and more people opt for upscale boutique hotels and elegantly refurbished properties instead of regular chain hotel stays. We’ve scoured the globe to bring you the Top 5 hottest designs. 

Tierra Chiloé, Chile

Perched in a prime location on the edge of a cliff on the island of Chiloé, this stunning hotel offers unprecedented views of the Chiloé archipelago lying just off the coast of Chile. The hotel’s distinctive architecture is in line with the stunning surroundings, with a wooden exterior that is reminiscent of the traditional churches in the vicinity. The hotel is situated on green, unspoiled pastoral hills with spectacular vistas of the nearby channel. The ground floor boasts floor-to-ceiling windows, combining old Chiloé tradition with modern architecture. Portions of the hotel are raised on stilts to cause as little damage to the ground as possible and this gives the hotel an unusual, almost futuristic feel.  

Hotel de Paris Monte Carlo, Monaco

A well-known retreat frequented by the rich and famous, Hotel de Paris Monte Carlo reopened its doors in 2019, after an extensive 4-year renovation project. The property has retained its signature Belle Epoch façade, with lavish decorations reminiscent of by-gone eras of the late 19th century. The Hotel now features upgraded lavish accommodation including the new Princess Grace Suite, an extravagant 2-bedroom property arranged over two floors and featuring some of the Princess’ favourite items on display. Add to this a sea-facing glamorous SPA and a range of dazzling restaurants, it is easy to see why this place is a favourite of the crème de la crème.

Kudadoo Private Island, Maldives

The clue is in the title. This is an all-inclusive, ecologically sustainable solar-powered luxury resort, a little dot of paradise in the middle of the Indian ocean. The photovoltaic roof on the main site is emphatically visible and becomes the distinctive feature of this exquisite resort. It features fifteen unique overwater villas, spacious enough to accommodate private decks with hanging sofas and sun loungers and featuring glass flooring in the dining area so that guests can marvel at the serene aquatic life. It really doesn’t get much grander than this.

Park Hyatt, Bangkok

Bangkok is a metropolitan city rife with spectacular high-risers offering one of the best skylines in the world. Park Hyatt offers a safe Haven high up in the sky, a protective sanctuary from the intensity of the urban jungle that is modern Bangkok. The architecture of the building is wonderfully irregular, with the steel exterior forming a three-dimensional figure of 8 with curved corners while the interior is filled with free-form elements that exude an intimate and calming vibe. 

Al Bait, Sharjah

Recently named UAE’s most luxurious resort, Al Bait combines traditional heritage elements with features of contemporary architecture. This is a luxury escape that retains important archaeological findings of the area as part of its architectural structure and parts of the development are over half a century old.  It combines the traditional Arab feel with finer touches of luxury, paying homage to traditional Sharjah architecture, making this a very charming destination in an underrated part of the country. 

Top 5 Hottest designs for 2020