Modelled entirely in mid-century Danish design, Alexandra is
more museum than hotel. Every space pays homage to
Denmark’s brightest minds. Curl up on Arne Jacobsen’s iconic
Egg chair or stretch out on Borge Mogensen’s Spokeback sofa in
rooms designed with the 50s and 60s in mind – think mother-of-pearl
lamps, fibreglass chairs and clashes of purple and orange. Sealed
with fashion powerhouse Christian Louboutin’s approval, it’s his
preferred choice of stay when visiting Copenhagen;
authentic, psychedelic and totally groovy, baby.

The award-winning architect Zichron Ya’akov Tel Aviv-based
creation is a beacon of positivity for brutalist fans. Embodying
Israeli 1960s design,
exposed concrete and geometric shapes, raised units create the
impression that it is floating above the
Mediterranean Sea. A cultural hub celebrating every form of
artistic creativity, Elma Arts Complex houses two concert halls,
several art galleries and regularly attracts critically acclaimed
artists and musicians.

An eco-powerhouse hovering over a dramatic fjord in the Artic
Circle is Norwegian architecture firm Snøhetta’s latest ambitious
project. The energy-positive hotel will produce more renewable
energy over its lifetime than it would cost to maintain, helped by
vast solar panels engineered to produce a significant amount of
energy during the long summer nights. Modelled on a seasonal
fisherman house, due to their robust structure, the circular
structure will extend from the shoreline using poles to protect the
natural flora and fauna. The 360-degree curved glass will provide
unobstructed glacier views and guests can launch kayaks from the
lower decks, which will be transformed into walkaways during the
warmer months. Set for completion in 2021, it’s set to be the new
place to catch Northern
Lights.

Channelling a zen aesthetic Claska is a creative haven away from
the garish neon lights and towering skyscrapers of Tokyo.
Housed in a multiplex building Claska is a one-stop Japanese

design destination with several floors devoted entirely to
creativity. Boasting a light and airy studio space, a beautifully
decked terrace with Mount Fuji views and a celebrity dog-grooming
salon, Claska caters to every whim. The rooms are designed by
energetic, young designers peppered with antiques from all corners
of Asia. An added bonus, custom-made fleet of Tokyo bikes are
parked outside encouraging you to explore the Meguro Dori district
that tempts with a treasure trove of second-hand furniture
stores.

Awakening the sleepy village of Elciego is renowned architect
Frank Gehry’s radical titanium construction. His sequel to
Bilbao’s Guggenheim stands in complete contrast to the rustic
wine region that surrounds it. The fluid, steel waves act as sun
visors framing the landscape with the pink titanium representing
red wine and the gold representing white wine. Whether you view it
as an eye-sore or eye-candy (the jury’s still out) a collective nod
of approval is directed to the four-million bottle ageing ceiling
found at the top of its very own Willy Wonka lift.

Nestled in the rocky terrain of one of Mexico’s
oldest wine-making regions are 20 glamping cabins. The Corten steel
covering the cabins alters colour over time, resulting in a colour
palette that harmonises with the horizon. Juxtaposing white
bedrooms with sleek, black bathrooms,
these cabins provide all the mod-cons of city hotel rooms with the
added bonus of a wooden-patio providing serene, panoramic views
overlooking the Valle de Guadalupe.

How do you distinguish one elaborately decorated riad from the
next? You call in famed British designer Jasper Conrad to cast his
remarkable eye over a piece of medina paradise. Made up of five
exquisite suites each boasts seductive white four-poster beds
draped in mile-long voile, rare artworks (including pieces once
owned by Saint Laurent) and hand-loomed carpets. Staying at L’Hotel
feels like you’re staying in a fabulously stylish private home
depicting 1930s elegance. Twin roof terraces invite you to sip mint
tea as the sun sets under the honeysuckle pergola. L’Hotel will
quickly seduce you, leaving you slack-jawed and struggling to
absorb its many delights.

A beacon in Danish design, Arcgency have turned an industrial coal crane into a luxury two-person retreat. The all-black interior gives a sleek, minimalist feel designed to envelop you in a multi-sensory experience. Playing with sight, sound and atmosphere, the space is part of an on-going regeneration project by Klaus Kastbierg – the brain behind the design of the Nordhavn harbour area.

This hypermodern hotel in the otherwise bohemian Los Cabo community boasts a striking aesthetic. The work of architect Miguel Angel Aragoné, his vision was simple – to fuse the hotel with the cobalt-horizon. Large reflective pools, criss-crossed walkways and the piece des résistance bird-nest restaurant complete the walk-on-water vision. At night a spectacular light show of blue and purple hues beam back from the cube-shape rooms that all face the ocean.

Inspired by the spirit of the American Beat Generation, The
Drifter is a statement of individuality. Wishing to bring together
locals and travellers, the former 1950s down and out motel has been
completed modernised with mid-century design touches of palm-tree
murals and globe-shaped pendant lamps adding flair. Good to note
that a busy events calendar of local designer pop-ups and pool
parties take place underneath the retro disco balls and striped
mint-green parasols.