Share this article
Have you ever been so enamoured with a hotel, that you were tempted to just stay inside all day instead of exploring the city? Well, I certainly have. At times, it's a typical 5-star hotel chain. Other times, it's a boutique hotel.
With how Airbnb has really been embraced by travellers around the world, hotels have had to really step up their design game a notch. Today, a hotel is no longer just seen as a place to rest, but as a place to continue the experience of the local surroundings that you are at.
So other than looking at interior design inspiration on Pinterest, I think that hotels and Airbnbs are a great way to look for suitable designs to adapt from too.
21 Most Beautiful Hotels, Airbnbs
Experience the wonders of the world and all that nature has to offer, across terrains at these amazing hotels. From mountainous regions to snow-capped splendor and sandy deserts, new marvels lie ahead.
Here is a list of the most beautiful new, old, boutique hotels, and Airbnbs for travels and interior design inspiration:
- ICE HOTEL 365, Sweden
- Hezen Cave Hotel, Turkey
- Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort, UAE
- Bellevue Hotel & Spa, Cogne, Italy
- The Mondrian, Singapore
- Cap Karoso, Indonesia
- Somewhere Lombok, Indonesia
- Noku Phuket, Thailand
- Andaz Pattaya Jomtien Beach, Thailand
- Pnoes Tinos, Greece
- Manna, Greece
- Mamuma Island, Montenegro
- The Curator Hotel, Portugal
- Selman Marrakech, Morocco
- El Hotelito, Mexico
- Maroma, Mexico
- Ross Farm
- Innes Resort
- Soho Farmhouse, Cotswolds
- The Chow Kit
- The Harl, Hong Kong
Art suite in the ICEHOTEL 365 in Sweden. Photo by Asaf Kliger
ICEHOTEL 365, Sweden
A palace fit for the Ice Queen. Warm up with a round of champagne at the ice bar, meet new friends, visit the ice church, or gallery, then turn in for the night by snuggling up against soft and warm fur throws.
Sweden’s ICEHOTEL features cold and warm rooms and chalets; the latest addition to the hotel, ICEHOTEL 365 allows guests a choice of art, and other luxury suites. There’s always something new to see for repeated guests as the hotel exhibits different art sculptures on a yearly basis.
These sculptures of ice and snow are made by artists from all over the world. Visitors can also lay down their concerns for the hotel; far from melting away into the Torne River, where the hotel sources its ice, ICEHOTEL 365 is built on a former refrigeration plant, and as such remains intact throughout the year.
Ice Bar in the ICEHOTEL 365.
Hotel guests can enjoy a number of activities in the summer, where the nights are as bright as day. Canoeing, river rafting, fishing, or boat tours are available at the Torne River, the last of which ends with a comforting cup of coffee in wooden drinkware, made and enjoyed over an open fire at the riverbank.
The seasons of Spring and Fall are also enjoyable at ICEHOTEL, with the magnificent Northern lights creeping into the skies. Guests can enjoy these sights in a forest camp, away from the distractions of artificial life; they can also learn about local spa traditions and culture with the Jukkasjärvi Sauna Ritual and a five-day Sami Wildlife and Nature Photo trip.
Suite 301 in the ICEHOTEL 365, Sweden
Be sure to check out the list of activities, which differ by season, and look to midnight sun tours in the summer and year-round ice sculpting classes if you’re interested!
Hezen Cave Hotel, Turkey
This is one cave we wouldn’t mind staying in forever.
The natural cave bedrooms in Hezen Cave Hotel possess warm and welcoming charms. It’s almost impossible to not curl up on a sofa and soak in the cosy and intimate atmosphere in private. Orange-tinted lights gently bathe the rooms in a warm glow, complementing the eclectic style of the interior.
While it may be tempting to lounge all day in the bedroom, guests should indeed head over to the hotel’s terrace to enjoy magnificent views of the Ortahisar castle and old cave houses. There is also plenty to do if you’re up for some exploration.
The hotel itself is located in Cappadocia, a hub for history buffs with a thirst for knowledge. Guests can visit and explore the grounds of historical sites, and experience local culture and architecture.
An open-air museum of monasteries and churches, the National Gerome is also worth a visit, alongside the Ihlara Valley and the underground cities of Derinkuyu.
Those well-versed in horseback riding can do so across valleys; a delightful alternative lies in a hot-air balloon ride across the beautiful landscapes. High- quality handcrafts are also available, and those looking to mark their trip with souvenirs can easily take home fine pottery, jewellery, and handmade carpets.
Guests who have explored their fill can enjoy baths in a ground-heated marble shower, or a Turkish Hamam-style bathroom overlooking common gardens. Custom-made toiletries complete the experience.
Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort, United Arab Emirates
Beautiful sunsets and warm fine sand beneath your feet make for a memorable holiday.
Make your way across the Rub’ al Khali, the largest unbroken stretch of sand in the world, in your preferred mode of transportation. Race off, dune bashing at top speed or go on in a leisurely pace with a camel.
The Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort is the perfect picture of a quiet, peaceful and serene retreat, topped off with a spa treatment evoking ancient hammam rituals. Guests can spend a romantic evening watching the sunset from the plunge pool in private villas, and dine under skies dotted with twinkling stars.
The resort offers a selection of rooms, suites, and villas to accommodate all needs and preferences. In the privacy of their pool villas, guests can soak up the sun on a deck, enjoying the amazing views of the desert while attended by a personal villa host to boot. The resort further personalises all guest experiences with a soap and pillow menu.
Look forward to lounging like royalty on daybeds, absorbing the immense richness of embroidered fabrics and Bedouin accents incorporated into the interiors of each villa. Music lovers will be pleased to know that the spaces are equipped with Bose Bluetooth speakers for the ultimate audiophile experience on holiday.
Bellevue Hotel & Spa, in Cogne, Italy
The least populated region in Italy, Valle d’Aosta is in no want of peace and serenity.
There’s plenty to see and do at Bellevue Hotel & Spa, especially during summer and winter seasons. If you’ve dreamt of snow-capped alpine summits, green pastures, and stone- roofed villages, look no further than Cogne in Valle d’Aosta.
Hole up in one of Bellevue Hotel & Spa’s 39 rooms, or in one of their three chalets; the hotel offers spectacular views of the Gran Paradiso glacier, which one might enjoy surrounded in cosy and classy interiors.
Once enough rest has been had, guests can look to various experiences and activities: spa treatments to rejuvenate the body and amazing food and wine for nourishing the soul. The hotel is equipped with wine and cheese cellars and a kitchen garden, housing over 2,000 wine labels and aged Alpine and Parma cheese.
Only the freshest of vegetables and herbs are harvested by the cooks; this means a meal at Bellevue is a meal to savour indeed.
Live the dream by taking a page out of the Swiss classic, Heidi. You can even bring home a piece of Italy: perfumes, teas, pewter products, bedspreads, bags made from aged leather, hats, and traditional alpine handicrafts are available from the hotel’s very own boutique, Le Marché aux Puces.
The Mondrian, Singapore
If you’re looking for a trendy new hotel for a staycation, put this one on your list. Accor and Ennismore’s Mondrian brand will debut in Singapore this March, in the Duxton Hills neighbourhood.
It will house 302 guestrooms and shophouse suites, a cinematic rooftop pool and eclectic restaurants and bars. Designed by Los Angeles-based Studio Carter, the hotel reflects the Duxton area’s rich history, with the tropicana-leaning design drawing inspiration from the heritage conservation area’s traditional architecture. The hotel will also present immersive installations and a contemporary collection of local and international artwork.
Address: 16A Duxton Hill
Cap Karoso, Indonesia
Scheduled for a soft opening in March 2023, Cap Karoso, located in the island of Sumba is named for the beach on which it is located, and is a 50-minute flight east from Bali.
Helming its design is Jakarta-based Bitte Design Studio and the hotel’s aesthetic melds regional heritage with contemporary features. Guests will find references to the local religion of Marapu, as well as the region’s craft traditions and culture.
For example, in-room accents include hand-carved wooden headboards by local artists and ikat wall hangings by Indonesian artist Alexander Sebastian Hartanro. A casual all-day beach club will serve cuisine with a focus on local produce, while the Julang restaurant will be operated by international chefs visiting for short takeovers. The property will also host visiting artists and DJs throughout the year, for exhibitions and music events.
Address: FW9P+J7R,Unnamed Road, Ate Dalo, Kec. Kodi Kabupaten Sumba Barat Daya, Indonesia
Somewhere Lombok, Indonesia
The recently opened Somewhere Lombok is the first project by sisters Claire and Valia Gontard, both of whom have collective experience in the investment, events, travel and hospitality industry.
The sisters teamed up with Hong Kong-based architecture firm SW Design and design studio Eight Partnership, to create the hotel’s modernist look. The property boasts 20 independent villas featuring private plunge pools, with floor-to-ceiling windows and minimalist interior design.
Natural materials like wood, local stone, and concrete abound, with furniture and lighting custom-made in neutral tones. Guests can also enjoy an infinity pool overlooking the bay of Are Guling , along with an in-house restaurant serving Indonesia fusion.
Address: Prabu, Pujut, Central Lombok Regency, West Nusa Tenggara 83572, Indonesia
Noku Phuket, Thailand
Just 45 minutes from Phuket International Airport, Noku Phuket is the fourth Noku outpost and offers stunning views of Chalong Bay from its hilltop location. There are a total of 91 villas and lofts, all of which are furnished in soft earthy tones.
Each roomy loft features a balcony overlooking the surrounding hills, and the spacious hill villas provide sea views over Chalong Bay. Guests also have the option of choosing stand-alone tree villas with private pools. The hotel’s curated shop celebrates fashion, crafts and collectables of the region as well.
Address: 48/13 Moo 6, Soi Sai-Namyen, Chao Fa West Road, Chalong, Phuket Town, Phuket 83130, Thailand
Andaz Pattaya Jomtien Beach, Thailand
Recently opened at the start of 2023, Andaz Pattaya Jomtien Beach is the Andaz brand’s first foray into Thailand.
Nestled across over 15 acres of beachfront land, this luxury lifestyle resort provides numerous ways for guests to connect with the local culture and nature, from destination excursions to authentic dining, wellness and family activities.
The distinctively local yet modern design of the resort is also inspired by the site’s history as a private estate, and conceived by award-winning Thai architecture firm A49 and PIA interiors. Most of the hotspots in the city are a quick drive away too, including lakes, wineries, golf courses and cafes.
Address: 345 Moo 3 Na Jomtien Sub-District, Pattaya City, Sattahip District, Chon Buri 20250, Thailand
Pnoes Tinos, Greece
This three-villa property features a contemporary and sophisticated interpretation of Cycladic traditions. Helming the project is Aristides Dallas, one of Greece’s most celebrated architects.
Design-wise, each villa is characterised by stone walls, wood details, and broad, airy openings. Private pools and fireplaces also offer cosy spaces to relax, and interiors are filled with bespoke furniture, earthy wooden décor, warm neutral hues and natural fabrics.
Showcased works in the hotel by contemporary young Greek artists are also available for sale, while each villa features a curated selection of books and design magazines. Guests have access to onsite gardens too, including an orchard, Mediterranean herb garden, tea garden with flowers to make infusions and an organic vegetable garden.
Address: Lagkades, Ag. Fokas 842 00, Greece
Manna, Greece
Set to re-open in the second quarter of 2023, Manna in Arcadia is housed in a former sanatorium in the southern Greek region of Peloponnese, at an altitude of 1,200m.
Overseeing the renovation and design is K-Studio. The firm’s portfolio includes other prominent travel and hospitality projects in Greece like Hotel Crete, Museum Samos and Helios Restaurant in Four Seasons Athens.
The 32-room hotel celebrates serenity and craftsmanship, with a specific focus on well-being and nature. In addition to guestrooms, the communal spaces will include a dining room, ritual room, bar, lounge, library, and spa with two treatment rooms.
Address: Korfoxylia, Magoulianon, 22010, Arcadia, Greece
Mamuma Island, Montenegro
It doesn’t get more isolated than Mamula Island. Set to have its grand opening in March, this hotel was previously a long-abandoned 19th-century fortress, situated on a previously uninhabited islet.
Mamula Island is being revitalized by architecture firm MCM London, and will feature a glass-covered courtyard, a memorial museum, a spa, multiple restaurants and bars, outdoor pools and a club for non-motorized watersports. Guests can also expect spaces infused with references to the surrounding region and culture.
Materials like local Cevsky stone, aged brass, solid oak and breathable, organic textiles will be used, and artworks are being made specifically for the property by local artists.
Address: Mamula Island, Herceg Novi, Montenegro
The Curator Hotel, Portugal
Culture vultures will definitely dig this historic, art-centric hotel, which is salted to open in the third quarter of this year. Situated in the historic district of Belem, Lisbon, The Curator Hotel is located within the Palace of the Counts of Ribeira Grande. The building dates back to the beginning of the 18th century, and will house the Museum of Contemporary Art Armando Martins – a new cultural project dedicated to modern and contemporary art.
A total of 44 rooms will be spread among the first through sixth floors of the palace, along with six studios in an independent wing and 14 rooms in a new annex. An onsite restaurant will also be dedicated to local flavours and regional products and producers.
Other amenities include a garden and a desecrated chapel to host cultural programming, with a focus on performing arts and literature.
Address: R. da Junqueira 66, 1300-307 Lisboa, Portugal
Selman Marrakech, Morocco
Designed by renowned Parisian architect Jacques Garcia, Selman Marrakech is located at the foot of the scenic Atlas Mountains. The hotel features 55 rooms, suites and villas – all of which embrace the Arab-Moorish atmosphere with refined textures, fine fabrics and traditional furnishing.
There’s also a unique stud farm home to a private collection of Arabian thoroughbreds, which guests can visit during their stay. Be sure to check out the exquisite Chenot Spa as well.
The 1,200 sq metre spa is reminiscent of a traditional Turkish bath and includes seven treatment rooms, four hydrotherapy rooms, a hydro-massage pool, two heated outdoor pools, a gym and a spa boutique.
Address: Km 5, Route d’Amizmiz Marrakech 40160, Morocco
El Hotelito, Mexico
Opening March 2023, this property is situated in the south of Zihuatanejo, in the southern Mexican state of Guerrero.
With only 13 bedrooms, the boutique hotel is also home to private residences, organic farms, a beach club and freshwater bio pool. Workspaces, a recording studio and a media arts hub are also in the works.
As for design, think a stripped-back architecture, with organic accents from hand-crafted, locally sourced and natural materials.
Address: Rumbo a la playa 79, Loma Bonita, Guerrero, Mexico
Maroma, Mexico
Maroma is situated between dense tropical jungle and the white sands of Mexico’s Caribbean coast, with access to the largest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere. Featuring 72 rooms, suites and villas, the hotel officially reopens on May 25 this year, following an extensive renovation and redesign by designer Tara Bernerd which goes big on colours. While the space will be completely reimagined, its design will honour Mexican artisanal traditions, authentic craftsmanship and local materials throughout the interiors.
Address: Carretera Cancun-Tulum, Km 51 77710 Riviera Maya, Quintana Roo, Mexico
Ross Farm
Let's just start by saying that Ross Farm is one of my favourite examples of how design can really transform a place - even for something as traditional as a farm. Robyn and Lindsay Moore converted the abandoned dairy farm into an idyllic boutique lodging. It seamlessly fuses Danish and Japanese interiors together with the rustic surrounding landscape.
The cabin, barn, and the dairy are three major structures repurposed to provide guests with a sense of connection to the land's history. At the same time, it creates a sense of calmness all throughout.
While it's impossible to mimic the landscape and architecture in an HDB or condo apartment, copying the interiors is achievable .
Inside, the earthy tones of the walls and handcrafted pieces of furniture create a soothing and calm atmosphere. Warm timbers, rustic dark steel, and eucalyptus green are the prominent colours that accentuate the room.
Innes Resort
I know for some people, the design of Ross Farm may be too rugged for you. If that's the case, then perhaps the interior style of Inness Resort might be something more suitable.
Converted by architect and restaurateurTaavo Som er, Inness Resort was once a golf course (a massive 225-acre one at that). Named after a famous landscape painter in the 19th-century, George Inness, this elegant hotel focuses on the beauty of the landscape in the surrounding area.
Creating a landscape effect indoors requires some subtle techniques achieved by Inness Resort throughout its 12-room farmhouse and 28 cabins.
For instance, using light-coloured walls - from pure white to creamy off-white - produces a canvas-like effect. When you apply this same approach to any room in your home, the pieces offurniture inside naturally stand out.
Decorating your home with indoor plants perfectly goes well with light-coloured walls.
Soho Farmhouse
Soho farmhouse, dubbed by many as a grown-up's Disneyland, is another incredible source of inspiration.
For the sake of those who may not know, Soho House was founded by the renowned Nick Jones who has created Soho House as a members-only club where all the cool people want to be seen. Design is incredibly important to the Soho House brand, so much so that they have an in-house team of between 50 to 60 designers and architects to design the interiors and furniture that go into each new Soho House. There's now even an online store, for Soho House fanatics to buy their products from.
Soho Farmhouse is quite unlike the rest (in terms of size, at least). It is about 90 minutes from London in a 100-acre valley set in the massive 4,000 - acre estate in the Cotswolds.
Fortunately, you don't need to become a member of Soho House or book six months in advance to borrow ideas from their decor.
The central theme of this Soho Farmhouse is a country getaway so expect a whole lot of wood.
There are a total of 40 cosy cabins here. To mimic the two-bedroom cabin's design, you will require ample open space to allow a lot of room for a large sofa and an open kitchen space. The white-painted wood-panelled walls prove two visual functions, it makes the room seem bigger and adds warmth.
The Chow Kit
If the above designs are too "Western " for your tastes, my next choice may probably be something more relevant to the Asian palate. When it comes to balancing retro and contemporary designs, The Chow Kit is one of the best sources of inspiration. A boutique hotel with 86 rooms and 27 suites, The Chow Kit retains the city's vibrant history without being too old-fashioned.
As soon as you enter the lobby, a plethora of classic furnishings will immediately greet you.
For instance, the ceiling fan with blades similar to a palm leaf would look good in HDBs with high ceilings. Then there are the rattan-backed sofas in the lounge, which would look great in any living room.
To further flesh out your home's character, you can also add a similar vintage mid-century wicker chair.
Each piece of furniture can add up to bring the retro effect you want. But if you would like to go beyond furnishings, the best place to get ideas is The Chow Kit's bedrooms.
This boutique hotel has three rooms to choose from, the Den Room, Twin Den, and King Den. Except for the size and additional furnishings, the interior looks pretty much the same for all three.
The Hari Hong Kong
Is The Chow Kit too old-school for your taste? You'll definitely love this next boutique hotel which involves a magnificent blending of contemporary and luxurious design.
The Hari is a newly-opened luxury hotel, combining the elegance of London with the dynamic energy of Hong Kong. While this hotel caters primarily to business travellers, it doesn't have the same bland and monotonous designs you'll commonly find in chain hotels.
Renowned interior designer Tara Bernard brought the luxurious rooms of The Hari to reality by combining design elements such as timber panelling, posh velvet upholstery, and natural linen wallpaper.
Let's start in the lobby. As soon as you enter the hotel, you are immediately greeted by opulence. It's a stunning view that would look good in any living room.
While it can be difficult and expensive to achieve the same marble design for both floors and sofa base, you can use the same technique with a different material. The rule of thumb is to use the same material for the sofa's underside and the floor to create a seamless effect. Install a leather sofa on top of the base with a contrasting colour for a strikingly luxurious design.
Using wood for the floors and walls doesn't always necessarily translate to a cabin-like ambience, as exhibited by most of the rooms in The Hari.
Hotel-Inspired Interior Design
Some people have a knack for decorating their homes, but not everyone can reach the same level as those of boutique hotels. For most of us, the project results in either a stylish or functional design, rarely both.
While it's true that interior design should be both visually and physically appealing, it should also consistently provide comfort. Your home design should exude qualities that boutique hotels have already achieved.
Taking inspiration from boutique hotels will help ensure you get the best of both worlds. You don't really have to get the same chair or bathroom fixtures to pull off a similar design - even more so if you don't have the budget.
It's not about being a copycat but about awakening the creative soul within you.
Part of this article first appeared in Stacked and Female.