The best-designed hotels in the WORLD from a Thai lodge the Kardashians loved to a Manchester manor

Hey, good lookin’!

Welcome to the most eye-catching hotels in the world – architectural gems so aesthetically pleasing that they’ve been deemed worthy of inclusion in the Design Hotels collection, ‘a handpicked portfolio of one-of-a-kind properties across the globe’.

Here we present our picks of a most impressive crop, from a jaw-dropping resort in the Maldives (with its own marine biologist) to a boutique property set in ancient caves in Italy and from a stunningly renovated manor house in Manchester to a ‘spectacular’ Thai beach house the Kardashians stayed in.

Seaside Finolhu Maldives 

Seaside Finolhu Maldives employs an on-site marine biologist to tend to flora and fauna

Contemporary architectural design mixes harmoniously with rustic touches, says Design Hotels

Contemporary architectural design mixes harmoniously with rustic touches, says Design Hotels

Private villas are constructed with natural thatch roofs and light and unassuming exteriors that blend in with nature

Private villas are constructed with natural thatch roofs and light and unassuming exteriors that blend in with nature

So dedicated is Seaside Finolhu Maldives to giving its guests a pristine tropical eco-system to ensconce themselves in that it employs an on-site marine biologist to tend to flora and fauna.

The resort also places a premium on offering jaw-dropping accommodation – there are 125 private villas, half of which have a pool.

The Design Hotels website, designhotels.com, says of the architecture: ‘Contemporary architectural design mixes harmoniously with rustic touches throughout the resort, with modern-style buildings fashioned using Maldivian influences. Though formidable, spacious, and embracing on the inside, the private villas are constructed with natural thatch roofs and light, unassuming exteriors that enable them to disappear into the surrounding natural flora.’

For more information visit www.designhotels.com/hotels/maldives/baa-atoll/seaside-finolhu-maldives.

Nature Eco Residences, Santorini 

And relax... Nature Eco Residences is a 'sanctuary of stone carved from stone'

And relax… Nature Eco Residences is a ‘sanctuary of stone carved from stone’

Sublime privacy and bright open spaces are married beautifully - plus the views are outstanding

Sublime privacy and bright open spaces are married beautifully – plus the views are outstanding

Handy for all your ancient settlement needs: The 15-room property is near historical Akrotiri

Handy for all your ancient settlement needs: The 15-room property is near historical Akrotiri

Behold… and sigh longingly.

There are several breathtaking hotels in Santorini – and Nature Eco Residences is most definitely one of them.

Designhotels.com describes the 15-room property, which is near the ancient settlement of Akrotiri, as balancing ‘sublime privacy with bright open spaces’ – a ‘sanctuary of stone carved from stone’.

For more information visit www.designhotels.com/hotels/greece/santorini/nature-eco-residences-santorini.

Olea All Suite Hotel, Zakynthos island, Greece

This striking hotel was dreamt up by Athens and Stockholm-based firm Block722architects+

This striking hotel was dreamt up by Athens and Stockholm-based firm Block722architects+

The top room - a 1,130-square-foot presidential suite with a private infinity pool and terrace

The top room – a 1,130-square-foot presidential suite with a private infinity pool and terrace 

The property has 93 suites that revolve around a huge pool that resembles a lake

The property has 93 suites that revolve around a huge pool that resembles a lake

This striking hotel was dreamt up by Athens and Stockholm-based firm Block722architects+, which created, says designhotels.com, a ‘sprawling property of 93 suites revolving around a 4,000-square-meter (43,055-square-foot) pool that resembles a lake’.

Streams and pools ‘meander between island-like clusters of tropical-modernist cube structures, hidden gardens and age-old olive trees’.

The top room is a 1,130-square-foot presidential suite with a private infinity pool and terrace.

For more information visit www.designhotels.com/hotels/greece/zakynthos/olea-all-suite-hotel-spa.

Iniala Beach House, Thailand 

Famous family stamp of approval: The Kardashians stayed here for six days in 2014

Famous family stamp of approval: The Kardashians stayed here for six days in 2014

Designhotels.com calls this beach-front property a 'masterpiece of design

Designhotels.com calls this beach-front property a ‘masterpiece of design

The accommodation options are limited, but jaw-dropping - three 'exquisite' villas, two suites, and a 'spectacular' penthouse

The accommodation options are limited, but jaw-dropping – three ‘exquisite’ villas, two suites, and a ‘spectacular’ penthouse

Iniala Beach House 'fuses traditional Thai architecture with organic, contemporary forms amid a world of sublime luxury'

Iniala Beach House ‘fuses traditional Thai architecture with organic, contemporary forms amid a world of sublime luxury’

Check-in at the Iniala Beach House in Phang Nga province and you’ll be entering, according to designhotels.com, a ‘masterpiece of design that fuses traditional Thai architecture with organic, contemporary forms amid a world of sublime luxury’.

The property is set on the pristine sands of Natai Beach and the accommodation options are limited, but jaw-dropping – three ‘exquisite’ villas, two suites, and a ‘spectacular’ penthouse.

The view? The glistening turquoise waters of the Andaman Sea. Famous guests? The Kardashians stayed here for six days in 2014.

For more information visit www.designhotels.com/hotels/thailand/phang-nga/iniala-beach-house.

The Slate, Phuket

The Slate's award-winning Coqoon Spa is housed inside gigantic bulbous wicker structures

The Slate’s award-winning Coqoon Spa is housed inside gigantic bulbous wicker structures

The resort harbours 184 suites and villas, eight restaurants and three swimming pools

The resort harbours 184 suites and villas, eight restaurants and three swimming pools

Dreamy: This is a resort to swoon over, declares designhotels.com

Dreamy: This is a resort to swoon over, declares designhotels.com

One of the most eye-catching features at The Slate is the award-winning Coqoon Spa, which is housed inside gigantic bulbous wicker structures hung from a colossal banyan tree.

The resort also harbours 184 suites and villas, eight restaurants and three swimming pools.

In summary? It’s a resort to swoon over, says designhotels.com.

For more information visit www.designhotels.com/hotels/thailand/phuket/the-slate.

Rockhouse, Jamaica

If you want to indulge a castaway fantasy - put the Rockhouse Hotel on your bucket list

If you want to indulge a castaway fantasy – put the Rockhouse Hotel on your bucket list

There are ladders and stairs carved into the rock for quick access to the Caribbean Sea

There are ladders and stairs carved into the rock for quick access to the Caribbean Sea

The views from the bedrooms at the property, which sits on the volcanic Jamaican coastline, are amazing

The views from the bedrooms at the property, which sits on the volcanic Jamaican coastline, are amazing 

If you want to indulge a castaway fantasy – put the Rockhouse Hotel on your bucket list.

Designhotels.com says that its ‘hexagonal thatched-roof buildings, the volcanic Jamaican coastline, and sparkling turquoise waters’ give it a ‘look and feel that’s straight out of a Robinson Crusoe fantasy’.

There’s a stunning infinity pool and ladders and stairs carved into the rock for quick access to the Caribbean Sea for a salty swim.

For more information visit www.designhotels.com/hotels/jamaica/negril/rockhouse-hotel.

Hotel Alaia, Chile

This property is housed inside structures made of materials upcycled after the 2010 earthquake

This property is housed inside structures made of materials upcycled after the 2010 earthquake

The interiors comprise 'rough wood panelling, surfing paraphernalia, photography and sculptures'. There's a nice bar, too

The interiors comprise ‘rough wood panelling, surfing paraphernalia, photography and sculptures’. There’s a nice bar, too

This 12-suite property on Chile’s Punta de Lobos peninsula is housed inside ‘low-lying minimalist structures made of native woods, black rock, and materials upcycled after the 2010 earthquake’.

The interiors, meanwhile, comprise ‘rough wood panelling, surfing paraphernalia, photography and sculptures’.

And on the outside? One of Chile’s best spots for surfing.

For more information visit www.designhotels.com/hotels/chile/punta-de-lobos/hotel-alaia.

Hotel Escondido, Mexico 

Hotel Escondido sits between the Pacific Ocean and the Sierra Madre del Sur mountain range

Hotel Escondido sits between the Pacific Ocean and the Sierra Madre del Sur mountain range

It's billed as 'a private paradise for beach bums and thrill-seekers alike'

It’s billed as ‘a private paradise for beach bums and thrill-seekers alike’

Accommodation is in the form of rustic bungalows with sea - and cactus – views

Accommodation is in the form of rustic bungalows with sea – and cactus – views

Hotel Escondido, which sits between the Pacific Ocean and the Sierra Madre del Sur mountain range, is a ‘private paradise for beach bums and thrill-seekers alike,’ says designhotels.com.

The former because… well, look at the photographs. And the latter because this spot is a renowned surf spot.

Accommodation is in the form of rustic bungalows with sea – and cactus – views.

For more information visit www.designhotels.com/hotels/mexico/puerto-escondido/hotel-escondido.

Ion Adventure Hotel, Selfoss, Iceland 

'Concrete chic' is the name of the game at the Ion Adventure Hotel

‘Concrete chic’ is the name of the game at the Ion Adventure Hotel

The hotel, in the town of Selfoss, rose phoenix-like from the ashes of an abandoned inn

The hotel, in the town of Selfoss, rose phoenix-like from the ashes of an abandoned inn

Inside are 'warm accents of locally salvaged driftwood and lava', says designhotels.com

Inside are ‘warm accents of locally salvaged driftwood and lava’, says designhotels.com

‘Concrete chic’ is the name of the game at the Ion Adventure Hotel – plus ‘warm accents of locally salvaged driftwood and lava’, says designhotels.com.

The hotel, in the town of Selfoss, rose phoenix-like from the ashes of an abandoned inn.

It’s now a truly innovative – and enticingly secluded – place to stay.

For more information visit www.designhotels.com/hotels/iceland/selfoss/ion-luxury-adventure-hotel.

The Omnia, Zermatt, Switzerland

The Omnia sits 5,410ft up in the Swiss Alps, in the shadow of the iconic Matterhorn

The Omnia sits 5,410ft up in the Swiss Alps, in the shadow of the iconic Matterhorn

Designhotels.com says the architectural style is 'American Modernism meets European craftsmanship'

Designhotels.com says the architectural style is ‘American Modernism meets European craftsmanship’

Guests are treated to exceptional views - of jagged peaks and the car-free town of Zermatt

Guests are treated to exceptional views – of jagged peaks and the car-free town of Zermatt

The 30 rooms and suites are all unnumbered, apparently to 'enhance the homey mountain lodge feel'. Some come with mighty freestanding wooden tubs

The 30 rooms and suites are all unnumbered, apparently to ‘enhance the homey mountain lodge feel’. Some come with mighty freestanding wooden tubs

The Omnia sits 5,410ft up in the Swiss Alps, above the Zermatt but far below the summit of the iconic Matterhorn nearby.

Designhotels.com says the architectural style is ‘American Modernism meets European craftsmanship’.

The 30 rooms and suites are all unnumbered, apparently to ‘enhance the homey mountain lodge feel’, and are all unique.

For more information visit www.designhotels.com/hotels/switzerland/zermatt/the-omnia.

Adelphi Hotel, Melbourne, Australia

A large horse and carriage sculpture doubles as the reception desk at the Adelphi in Melbourne

A large horse and carriage sculpture doubles as the reception desk at the Adelphi in Melbourne

Whimsical, comfortable – and edgy. These are some of the key ingredients of the warehouse-style Adelphi

Whimsical, comfortable – and edgy. These are some of the key ingredients of the warehouse-style Adelphi

The hotel has a cantilevered glass-bottomed pool on the roof - and eye-catching bathrooms

 The hotel has a cantilevered glass-bottomed pool on the roof – and eye-catching bathrooms

Whimsical, comfortable – and edgy. These are some of the key ingredients of the warehouse-style Adelphi.

Up top there’s a cantilevered glass-bottomed pool that juts two metres out over Flinders Lane.

And inside there’s the renowned Om Nom Kitchen restaurant – and a large horse and carriage sculpture that doubles as the reception desk.

For more information visit www.designhotels.com/hotels/australia/melbourne/adelphi-hotel.

Domaine Des Andéols, Saint-Saturnin-Lès-Apt, France

One hour from Avignon nestles this gem of a hotel - Domaine Des Andéols

One hour from Avignon nestles this gem of a hotel – Domaine Des Andéols

The stunning outdoor pool at Domaine Des Andéols, which offers 19 villas

The stunning outdoor pool at Domaine Des Andéols, which offers 19 villas

Designhotels.com points out that the property is home to 'a very personal collection of art and furniture'

Designhotels.com points out that the property is home to ‘a very personal collection of art and furniture’

One hour from Avignon nestles Domaine Des Andéols and its 19 villas.

Each of these has a living room, some have private pools and gardens.

Designhotels.com points out that the property is also home to ‘a very personal collection of art and furniture’.

For more information visit www.designhotels.com/hotels/france/provence/saint-saturnin-les-apt/domaine-des-andeols.

Seezeitlodge Hotel & Spa, Gonnesweiler, Germany

The Seezeitlodge Hotel & Spa, says Designhotels.com, 'is a sublimely relaxing retreat'. Pictured is the 'spa village'

The Seezeitlodge Hotel & Spa, says Designhotels.com, ‘is a sublimely relaxing retreat’. Pictured is the ‘spa village’

There are 98 rooms and suites and a herb garden adds to the dreamy vibe

There are 98 rooms and suites and a herb garden adds to the dreamy vibe

Countryside conviviality: The hotel sits in a stunning landscape, of rolling hills and tall oak trees

And breathe…

The Seezeitlodge Hotel & Spa, says Designhotels.com, ‘is a sublimely relaxing retreat – a natural extension of the tall oak trees, rolling hills, and hypnotic water that surrounds it’.

There are 98 rooms and suites and outside there’s a ‘sauna village’ and herb garden.

For more information visit www.designhotels.com/hotels/germany/gonnesweiler/seezeitlodge-hotel-spa.

Eremito, Parrano, Umbria, Italy

This eco-resort in Umbria was built stone by stone on top of a derelict house

This eco-resort in Umbria was built stone by stone on top of a derelict house

In total, 130,000 stones were used to build this remarkable property

In total, 130,000 stones were used to build this remarkable property

Truly authentic: The ancient art of Italian masonry from the 13th century was deployed during the build process

Truly authentic: The ancient art of Italian masonry from the 13th century was deployed during the build process

The property is a magical medieval-style retreat – where candles are the main source of lighting

The property is a magical medieval-style retreat – where candles are the main source of lighting

It's olde worlde, but still contains 21st-century elements and luxurious furnishings

It’s olde worlde, but still contains 21st-century elements and luxurious furnishings

This eco-resort in Umbria was built, explains designhotels.com, stone by stone (130,000 in total) on top of a derelict house over four years using ‘the ancient art of Italian masonry from the 13th century’.

The hard work definitely paid off.

The result is a magical medieval-style retreat – where candles are the main source of lighting to keep things truly olde worlde.

For more information visit www.designhotels.com/hotels/italy/parrano-umbria/eremito/architecture.

Sextantio Le Grotte Della Civita, Matera, Italy 

If you harbour any living-like-the-Flintstones fantasies, this is the place to indulge them

If you harbour any living-like-the-Flintstones fantasies, this is the place to indulge them

Sextantio Le Grotte Della Civita, in the village of Matera, is situated inside ancient abandoned cave dwellings

Sextantio Le Grotte Della Civita, in the village of Matera, is situated inside ancient abandoned cave dwellings

There are 18 'impeccable' rooms altogether – and some that feature a balcony

There are 18 ‘impeccable’ rooms altogether – and some that feature a balcony

If you harbour any living-like-the-Flintstones fantasies, this is the place to indulge them.

Sextantio Le Grotte Della Civita, in the village of Matera, is situated inside ancient abandoned cave dwellings. There are 18 ‘impeccable’ rooms altogether – and some that feature a balcony.

The verdict of Designhotels.com? ‘An architectural masterpiece that provides a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience.’

For more information visit www.designhotels.com/hotels/italy/matera/sextantio-le-grotte-della-civita.

Oddfellows On The Park, Manchester, United Kingdom 

The 19th-century Victorian mansion Bruntwood Hall has been transformed into Oddfellows On The Park hotel

The 19th-century Victorian mansion Bruntwood Hall has been transformed into Oddfellows On The Park hotel

The hotel emerged following a 'meticulous renovation', according to Designhotels.com

The hotel emerged following a ‘meticulous renovation’, according to Designhotels.com

There are 22 rooms, many with original Victorian design elements, Designhotels.com points out

There are 22 rooms, many with original Victorian design elements, Designhotels.com points out

The hotel is located around nine miles from Manchester, set in 100 acres of bucolic parkland

The hotel is located around nine miles from Manchester, set in 100 acres of bucolic parkland

The 19th-century Victorian mansion Bruntwood Hall has been transformed, following a ‘meticulous renovation’, into Oddfellows On The Park hotel.

You’ll find it around nine miles from Manchester set in 100 acres of bucolic parkland.

There are 22 rooms, many with original Victorian design elements, Designhotels.com points out.

For more information visit www.designhotels.com/hotels/united-kingdom/manchester/oddfellows-on-the-park.

Hôtel Les Roches Rouges, Saint Raphael, France 

This stunning hotel is a firm favourite with 'influencers' – but you can see why they like to go there to distribute their 'influence'

This stunning hotel is a firm favourite with ‘influencers’ – but you can see why they like to go there to distribute their ‘influence’

There are two outdoor pools - one contains saltwater and the other, pictured, is a lane cut into the coastal rock

There are two outdoor pools – one contains saltwater and the other, pictured, is a lane cut into the coastal rock

It's outrageously cool – a throwback, says Designhotels.com, to 'the classic French Riviera style of the late 1950s/early 1960s'

It’s outrageously cool – a throwback, says Designhotels.com, to ‘the classic French Riviera style of the late 1950s/early 1960s’

Hôtel Les Roches Rouges offers the perfect Provence escape, says Designhotels.com

Hôtel Les Roches Rouges offers the perfect Provence escape, says Designhotels.com

Chic condition: The rooms are full of vintage furniture and most come with a sea view

Chic condition: The rooms are full of vintage furniture and most come with a sea view

This stunning hotel is a firm favourite with ‘influencers’ – but you can see why they like to go there to distribute their ‘influence’.

It’s outrageously cool – a throwback, says Designhotels.com, to ‘the classic French Riviera style of the late 1950s/early 1960s’.

Book a room, admire its vintage furniture then go for dips in the outdoor pools – one contains natural seawater, the other is cut directly into the coastal rock.

‘It’s the perfect Provence escape,’ says the website.

For more information visit www.designhotels.com/hotels/france/saint-raphael/hotel-les-roches-rouges.

The Ludlow Hotel, New York City

The Ludlow Hotel has the vitality of 1980s New York mixed with a splash of industrial chic and a dollop of opulence

The Ludlow Hotel has the vitality of 1980s New York mixed with a splash of industrial chic and a dollop of opulence

Designhotels.com loves the oak-panelled walls, the antique chandeliers and the Parisian and New Orleans-inspired craft cocktails served at the bar

Designhotels.com loves the oak-panelled walls, the antique chandeliers and the Parisian and New Orleans-inspired craft cocktails served at the bar

The views of the New York skyline from The Ludlow are decidedly impressive

The views of the New York skyline from The Ludlow are decidedly impressive

The Ludlow Hotel has the vitality of 1980s New York mixed with a splash of industrial chic and a dollop of opulence.

Designhotels.com loves the oak-panelled walls, the antique chandeliers and the Parisian and New Orleans-inspired craft cocktails served at the bar.

The views of the skyline, meanwhile, are ‘impressive’.

For more information visit www.designhotels.com/hotels/usa/new-york-city/the-ludlow-hotel.

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