Our ever-growing list of the hottest hotel architecture across the globe

Of course a large part of our love for hotels is derived from interior spaces by the likes of André Fu, Dorothée Meilichzon, and Tara Bernerd that make us swoon. But we get off equally on a beautiful exterior. If you’re also a fan of facade porn, or if you’re looking for somewhere delightful to spend your next vacay, then take a look at the best hotel architecture from across the globe (in our opinion.)

The best hotel architecture from around the world

1. Newfoundland, Canada: Fogo Island Inn

Designed by Newfoundland-born, Norway-based architect Todd Saunders, Fogo Island Inn is one of the most beautiful hotels we’ve seen. Sitting on stilts, the 43,000 sq-f inn is home to 29 guestrooms, each with floor-to-ceiling views of the surrounding landscape.

The stilts themselves have multiple purposes. They are both a reference to the buildings in the area who also use this design feature but more importantly, they lessen the impact on the rocks and lichens below. The building has an x-shaped structure with gathering spaces, a dining room, a bar, guestrooms, a library, wood-fired saunas, outdoor hot tubs, and even an art gallery curated by Fogo Island Arts.

Learn more about Fogo Island Inn

2. Macau, China: Morpheus

Designed by Zaha Hadid Architects, the memerising Morpehus is Macau needs to be seen to be believed. Touted as the first free-form high-rise exoskeleton building in the world, this twisting structure features three holes that cut through the facade and add to the drama of the interiors.

The building screams modernity and looks more like a work of art than a traditional hotel. Inside, twelve glass elevators allow guests to take-in panoramic views and access futuristic living spaces. A range of restaurants from heavy-hitters such as Alain Ducasse and Pierre Hermé will keep you fed, while art fiends won’t want to miss the hotel’s personal gallery Art on 23.

Don’t miss our guide to design hotels in Macau too.

Check out more of Morpheus here

3. Kandy, Sri Lanka: Santani Wellness Resort and Spa

Designed by Thisara Thanapathy Associates and launched in 2016, Santani sits upon undulating terrain in Kandy, Sri Lanka. Taking inspiration from the surrounding landscape, the building was designed to become a haven away from the hectic world; a space where guests can easily unwind. To this end, the architecture features simple structures that seem to disappear into the landscape, each of which is raised off the ground to prevent moisture forming in the tropical climate.

The spa at the property resembles the neighbouring stepped paddy fields, and sits in tranquility with the sloping landscape. Here, guests can enjoy a number of treatments, including Ayurvedic healing, detox packages and programmes that address stress, sleep and balance.

Santani Wellness Retreat also features on our list of best boutique hotels in Kandy.

Find out more about Santani Wellness Resort and Spa

4. Elciego, Spain: Hotel Marqués de Riscal

World renowned starchitect Frank Gehry blew everyone away with his initial design for Hotel Marqués de Riscal, and the final result is just as impressive. With a flair for the dramatic and a love for pushing the envelope with his works, the Pritzker Prize-winner created a unique hotel featuring undulating waves and patterns that break up the surrounding lush green landscape.

Situated in the Rioja wine country, Gehry took inspiration from the wine bottles themselves and crafted the titanium ribbons in colours of pink, silver and gold. Inside, the 43-room hotel is home to a selection of custom-furniture by the architect, alongside two restaurants where you’re guaranteed a good drop.

Read more about Hotel Marqués de Riscal here

5. Phuket, Thailand: Keemala

We simply couldn’t write a list of best hotel architecture without including Keemala in Phuket. This stunning place set amid the rainforest looks like somewhere that may fit in perfectly well in Star Wars or Lord of the Rings, but it’s a real hotel designed by Space Architects.

The entire resort is based on the idea of four fictitious clans who land on the island and have very different ways of life. Therefore, the architecture for each room type is informed by the skills and mastery of these groups, resulting in a magical-looking hotel unlike any other. Wooden pods stand out amongst the trees as treehouses, while tented villas nestle in-between the foliage. The spa is a series of individual, curved wooden cabins that are surrounded by gardens and mosaic murals by Chiang Mai native Surachai Sripaiboon can be found without the property.

Read our full review on Keemala and see all the best boutique hotels in Phuket.

And plan your stay at Keemala here

6. Dubai, UAE: Burj Al Arab

This iconic 202-room hotel that sits on an artificial island near Jumeirah Beach in Dubai is known across the globe for its sail-like shape that was inspired by a traditional dhow. Designed by Atkins with architect Tom Wright at the helm, the 321-metre tower is the third tallest hotel in the world and definitely one of the most expensive, costing around 7.8 billion dollars to create.

Engineers worked overtime to come up with a way for the building to look as if its floating on the water, and the reclaiming of the land it sits on took three years to create. To filter out the heat that the region is so well-known for, the facade is covered with two different layers that are separated by 60cm of space.

Check out the most awe-inspiring luxury hotels in Dubai too.

See more on Burj Al Arab here

7. Singapore: Marina Bay Sands

Love it or hate it, the fact that Marina Bay Sands polarises so many opinions is exactly the reason it’s on this list. Designed by Moshe Safdie and apparently initially inspired by a deck of cards, the building features three towers that are linked at the top by a cantilevered sky garden and swimming pool.

Not uncommon for structures across Asia, a Feng Shui consultant worked closely with the architects and designers to enjoy that all principles were adhered to. The hotel itself, one of the biggest in the world and also one of the most costly to build, is home to 2,500 rooms and suites as well as a casino, convention centre, the ArtScience Museum and much, much more.

Take a look at our list of best heritage hotels in Singapore too.

Find out more about Marina Bay Sands here

8. Beijing, China: Sunrise Kempinski Hotel

Just one-hour from central Beijing, Sunrise Kempinski Hotel sits wildly on the banks of Yanqi Lake. Looking more like something you’d see in a movie than a hotel, this unique property was designed by Shanghai Huadu Architect Design Company and features 10,000 glass panels that reflect the surrounding landscape for an even more dramatic effect.

The entrance to the hotel was designed to look like a fish mouth, long-held as a symbol of prosperity in Chinese culture. Inside, international firm DiLeonardo crafted the interior spaces, playing with the ideas of dark and light; natural and man-made; and solids and voids.

Find out more about Sunrise Kempinski Hotel here

But wait, there’s more…

• Read about our fave design hotels in Sydney
• Stay at these eco-friendly hotels in Bali
• Or discover why we love, love, love Ovolo South Yarra in Melbourne