After a glorious holiday in Vienna, I am now entirely unshakeable in my belief that the structure of a hotel—its walls, its bones, its interiors—is as crucial to my enjoyment as the city beyond its doors. Beauty, after all, is why we’re here. So, who better to consult on the most ravishing hotels in the world than those who truly understand it? These are not freebie-fuelled TikTokers peddling the latest PR stunt; they are people for whom beauty is a lifelong pursuit, whose taste you can trust implicitly. Their recommendations may not be within reach just yet, but one day—perhaps—they’ll mark the trip of a lifetime.
Kay Westmaas, Director At Studio Westmaas
The Rabot Hotel, St Lucia
The Rabot Hotel in St Lucia has got to be my favourite hotel I've stayed in. It's owned by Hotel Chocolat and it's situated within their cacao plantation. Guests stay in chattel houses dotted within the trees, it's magical. When I went, breakfast was included and the restaurant overlooks the pitons - incredible view, plus each dish comes with something chocolate.
Rachel Aisling Walker, Founder of RAW Interiors
Nagataki, Japan
The best place I've stayed was a traditional Ryokan in the Japanese countryside between Kyoto and Tokyo. We stayed there for my birthday in 2018, and it was one of the most peaceful and calming places imaginable. The building is over 400 years old, wonderful traditional food is served in your room, and you sleep on tatami mats on the floor.
Evelina Mamedovaite, Found of Mamedovaite
I would have to say La Colombe d’Or in Saint-Paul de Vence, in the off-season. It is home to the most incredible art collection - Miro, Braque, Chagall, Calder, Leger - most of which was exchanged for a stay or a few meals by the artists themselves. It feels like a time capsule and an art history lesson washed in the soft light of Provence.
Clare Lewis, Designer at Retrouvius
Beit Douma, Lebanon
I often think of this wonderful guest house in the mountains of Lebanon. We arrived in the dark after a very treacherous drive through snow blocked roads to a long candlelit table full of the most delicious local food and the natter that comes with sharing delicious plates and people from all corners of the world. A warm and welcoming little guest house, full of incredible art and artefacts and dog eared novels and cookbooks.
Hugo Macdonald, Founder of Bard
The Taybank, Scotland
A total haven in Perthshire, with pizzas and beer by the riverside, fiddle music in the wood-panelled pub, excellent food in the restaurant upstairs, and fresh breakfast hampers delivered to your bedroom from legendary Aran Bakery, nearby.
Georgie Stogdon, Founder of Curios Shop & Interior Designer
Pardini's Hermitage, Giglio, Italy
My favourite hotel is Pardini's Hermitage on the island of Giglio, which is just off the Tuscan coast.
It is a small, unique hotel of 13 rooms run by husband and wife Ghigo and Barbara .. It is the perfect slow, tranquil holiday to go and switch off, read, swim and eat incredible home-cooked food by Barbara.
Emily Forgot, Designer & Artist, Founder Of Muse & Maker
Cinabre Suites, France
I'd love to go to Paris and stay in one of the Cinabre Suites designed by Necchi Architecture. The place feels reminiscent of the opulence of the 1920s but through a modern lens—a world away from my day-to-day. I love the idea of being totally transported, and as the 20s feel like my spiritual decade, I'd be completely in my element. I'd probably just drink martinis and walk around stroking the lacquered furniture, beautiful wallpapers, and fabrics for my whole stay.
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8 Holland Street Townhouse, England
I would love to stay at 8 Holland Street Townhouse in Bath. I absolutely Love Tobias Vernon's eclectic curation of objects and art; they sing with Georgian architecture. I'd love to wake up surrounded by such wonderful things. You can rent the whole house out for 6 people on Airbnb, so unlike a hotel environment, you could pretend for those short few days you were lucky enough to own some of the amazing pieces in the beautiful space.
Sami Jalili, Co-Founder Of Arcola
AdAstra, Italy
This beautiful palazzo is on the Oltrarno side of the Arno. It has a spectacular, secluded terrace overlooking the largest private garden in Europe and interiors full of eclectic Italian twentieth-century design.
Laura Fulmine, Interior Stylist, Creative Director & Founder of M.A.H
My favourite place to stay is El Fenn. It's not exactly off the beaten track or unknown, but it's definitely one of the most amazing places I’ve been able to stay in! I’ve never been, but Mona Athens would be on my list, too!
Maxim Egger, Freelance Interior Creative Director, Previously Stylist For The World of Interiors And de Gournay
Hotel Falken, Wengen, Switzerland
Everything about this hotel is 1980’s. The decor is all faded florals and huge white duvets, the waiters are divine in their starched jackets, and the food is gloriously unpretentious but utterly delicious. Children will love (as I did) the conveyor belt toaster in the morning. The Berner Oberland is also an area of great beauty for walkers, with exemplary snow for the downhill crowd. It is a place dear to my heart as my Swiss Grandmother and Father learnt to ski there.
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