Discover five spectacular hotels where the property itself is a work of art
Architecture plays a large role in curating a hotel’s ambience. Not only does it contribute to the property’s unique sense of individuality, but it often works in tandem with the destination’s environment to offer a truly elevated travel experience. By blending art, culture, and even nature into a design, guests become immersed in an entirely new world.
Scattered around the globe, these incredible hotels may differ in style and influence, but they are united in architectural mastery and atmospheric settings, creating story-driven stays for the most curious of travelers.
Maintaining a balance between the natural world and modernity proves to be a difficult endeavor, but 7132 Hotel pulls it off flawlessly. Tucked away in the Vals Valley, the hotel’s sleek appearance and avant-garde design may seem at odds with its rugged, mountainous surroundings. But rather than compete, the two work together to highlight each other’s dramatic beauty, creating a staggering juxtaposition between two often incomparable elements. Brought to life by an ensemble of award-winning architects, including Peter Zumthor, Thom Mayne, Tadao Ando, and Kengo Kuma, this stunning Alpine retreat is a dynamic piece of art with the amenities and comforts of a luxury resort.
Although the hotel is highly contemporary, it utilizes natural materials such as oak and quartz to reflect the encompassing environment. As the birthplace of Vals Quartzite, it’s only fitting that the award-winning spa (designed by Peter Zumthor, whose multisensory approach to architecture is evident throughout the property) was created from 60,000 locally sourced slabs of the material. Of course, floor-to-ceiling windows further enhance this endeavor to blur the lines between the indoor and outdoor worlds. Suites’ designs vary throughout the property, reflecting the styles and techniques of the corresponding architect and allowing guests to embark on their own unique journey throughout their stay.
A powerful result of amazing architecture is often extreme cultural immersion. The Leela Palace Udaipur is exemplary of this. Every facet of this property’s opulent design tells a story steeped in culture and heritage; from the mirror mosaics to the black and white tiled floors to the elegantly appointed guestrooms, The Leela Palace Udaipur combines Rajasthan’s ornate architectural style with modern luxury. Bill Bensley, who has designed over 200 projects in the hospitality world, is the mastermind behind this architectural wonder and implements every feature with thought and intention, continuously adding to the hotel’s narrative.
Despite the grandeur of the property’s design, it manages to foster a strong connection with the outdoor elements. Courtyards, patios, jharokhas (balconies), and jaalis (latticework screens) allow for natural light and fresh air to brighten spaces. Lush vegetation surrounds the palace, small ponds brim with lily pads, and vines of bougainvillea adorn the walls. But the true feat of nature that this palace highlights is Lake Pichola, which adds a true element of wonder to the architecture. During the day, the hotel’s yellow façade stands out brightly on the lake, but at night, the palace truly shines, softly illuminated by warm lighting and reflected against the water. The effect? Ethereal.
This luxurious, contemporary hotel embodies the minimalism and geometric design typical of Cycladic style, but with a new imaginative angle: instead of the bright white facades that the island’s cliffsides are known for, Kivotos Santorini makes a statement with an all-black exterior, said to represent the property’s incomparable service and experience. The simplicity of the hotel plays a large role: to not distract from the natural beauty of the area. This property takes contemporary design to a level that’s futuristic yet cultural, simple yet luxurious, and modern yet comfortable.
Accommodations are sparsely decorated and instead rely on the distinct, sinuous architecture to capture attention. The unique contours of the suites create a cave-like feel, with a dark, moody ambience that provides an intriguing contrast to the bright sky and cerulean sea beyond. This layout also lends to a strong sense of solitude, providing guests with their own romantic hideout complete with a private pool or hot tub. Cozy yet sophisticated furnishings further elevate the experience, and multi-color lighting systems allow guests complete control over curating the mood of their stay.
Seamlessly blending into its surrounding elements, this one-of-a-kind property was inspired by the historic underground cities of the region, making for both a journey to the past and an exhibition of architectural prowess. Ajwa Cappadocia presents a true feat of engineering, with stone archways, stalwart pillars, and intricate carvings embellishing the premises. Handcrafted décor and wooden furniture are strewn about travertine floors, a diverse assortment of textures and shapes, and pops of color accent the earth-toned theme, serving a feast for the eyes.
The hotel boasts dozens of rooms, all varying in design, but the crown jewel of the property is the selection of cave suites. Each of these distinctive accommodations, many of which are meticulously carved into Cappadocia's surrounding volcanic rock, harness the nature’s serenity and charm while simultaneously incorporating Seljuk and Ottoman design. The cavernous rooms are tied together by beautiful, jewel-toned rugs, elegantly canopied beds, and warm lighting, creating an ambience that’s as artisanal as it is rugged.
Historic buildings have their own sense of architectural charm, and when restored to their original glamour with a contemporary twist, they truly stand out. A dichotomy between new and old, INIALA HARBOUR HOUSE & RESIDENCES is made up of four consecutive 17th-century townhouses, each with their own unique style. A striking mix of eclectic design, modern comforts, and Maltese tradition, this beautifully appointed hotel is a work of art in itself and does an excellent job of retaining that highly sought-after vintage allure while incorporating their own personality.
The hotel’s exterior models much of Malta’s favored architecture – limestone façade adorned with bright blue gallarija (enclosed balconies) and elaborate wrought-iron railings – but the interior is a collection of styles varying from chic and minimalistic to bold and intricate. Whether you choose frescoed ceilings, sleek wooden accents, vibrant wallpapers, or stone archways, every accommodation supplies guests with a surplus of local art and rich culture to admire. From the al fresco rooftop to the ancient subterranean vaults below, this entire property exudes originality and perfectly captures the coastal Mediterranean allure.