Beyond Four Walls: Exploring the World's Most Architecturally Daring Hotels
From contemporary redevelopments of historically significant buildings, to modernist marvels crafted by the world's top architects, some hotels truly exemplify the essence of one of our key Y Factors: Artistry. Transcending the concept of purely being a place to rest your head each night, each of these properties offers a unique blend of creativity, craftsmanship, and innovation, where the hotel becomes a destination in itself. Prepare to be captivated by the artistry and unique guest experiences that define stays at these extraordinary hotels, whether you're relaxing on pristine white sand in Indonesia, immersed in the Swedish wilderness, or checking into a mid-century marvel in a bustling New York airport. Journey with us as we share some of our favourite architectural escapes around the globe.
Hotel Marqués de Riscal, a Luxury Collection Hotel - Elciego, Spain
Wine Country Whimsy: It’s not often that architects become household names, but no-one combines architectural brilliance and artistic innovation quite like the iconic visionary, Frank Gehry. The Gehry-designed Marqués de Riscal Hotel, nestled amidst the picturesque vineyards of Spain’s Rioja wine region, stands as a masterpiece showcasing the architect’s avant-garde style and boundless creativity. The hotel's striking exterior, clad in undulating ribbons of titanium and stainless steel, reflects the surrounding landscape in a mesmerising dance of light and form. Upon entry, guests are welcomed by interiors that blend contemporary luxury with traditional Spanish charm, featuring sweeping curves, dramatic angles, and a playful juxtaposition of materials. The avant-garde design of the hotel extends to its amenities, encompassing luxurious accommodations, Michelin-starred gastronomy, and a truly unique experience; vinotherapy at the Spa Vinothérapie® Caudalie.
TreeHotel - Lapland, Sweden
One with Nature: Nestled amidst the enchanting forests of Swedish Lapland, Treehotel exemplifies the perfect fusion of design and nature. Each accommodation suspended high among the treetops, is a testament to architectural ingenuity, seamlessly blending into the surrounding landscape while maintaining minimal ecological impact. From the Mirrorcube, which elegantly mirrors the forest's beauty from every angle, rendering it nearly invisible, to the Bird's Nest, camouflaged among the branches like a natural sanctuary, every room offers a distinct viewpoint on sustainable luxury. Treehotel not only provides guests with a tranquil retreat but also serves as a platform for reconnecting with the natural world, encouraging visitors to wander through the forest trails, or gaze up at the starlit sky (or the Northern Lights if you’re lucky!) from their treehouse abodes.
The Singular Hotel - Patagonia, Chile
Singular Sensation: Set against the awe-inspiring landscapes of Chilean Patagonia, the Singular Hotel offers travellers a distinctive fusion of history, luxury, and adventure. Housed within the meticulously restored Puerto Bories Cold Storage Plant, declared a National Monument in 1996, this architectural masterpiece preserves the industrial heritage of the original building while providing guests a haven of elegance and comfort. From its industrial-chic interiors to the expansive six meter wide windows gracing every room, the Singular Hotel embodies a seamless fusion of rustic elegance and timeless charm. Perched overlooking the picturesque fjords of Last Hope Sound, its scenic location offers uninterrupted panoramic views, captivating guests with its natural beauty.
TWA Hotel - JFK Airport, New York
Come Fly With Me: A masterpiece of mid-century modern architecture, the iconic TWA terminal at New York’s JFK Airport was designed by renowned architect Eero Saarinen in 1962. After being declared 'functionally outdated' for its original purpose in 2001, the building was eventually adaptively repurposed to become the TWA Hotel, officially opening in 2019 after more than three years of painstaking restoration. Once bustling with jet-setters embarking on transatlantic adventures, the terminal is now part hotel, part museum, paying nostalgic homage to its history as the embodiment of the golden age of aviation. Featuring bold curves and retro-inspired furnishings in each of its unique (and soundproofed) guest rooms, suites, and communal spaces, guests have access to a variety of contemporary amenities, including a rooftop infinity pool, gym, games rooms, and multiple dining spaces and bars - all infused with an authentic swinging 60’s retro twist.
Fogo Island Inn - Newfoundland, Canada
Edge of the World: Perched on the rugged North Atlantic shores of Fogo Island, off the coast of Newfoundland, the Fogo Island Inn is an architectural marvel designed by locally-born architect Todd Saunders. The Inn embraces contemporary design principles and sustainability, while paying homage to the island’s maritime history of the temporary 'stilt' dwellings built by the original outpost settlers. Each aspect of the Inn's architecture reflects its deep connection to the local environment, from the dramatic angles of the building's exterior, inspired by the jagged cliffs and crashing waves, to the use of locally sourced materials and traditional craftsmanship throughout. While the exterior of the Inn may appear dramatic, on the inside, guests are greeted by thoughtfully curated interiors that are warm and inviting. These interior spaces epitomise modern comfort through the use of bespoke furnishings and local artwork, embracing Newfoundland’s cultural heritage, while making the most of the stunning panoramic views of the wild Atlantic Ocean.
The Silo Hotel - Cape Town, South Africa
Going Against The Grain: Situated on Cape Town's vibrant V&A Waterfront, the recently repurposed Silo Hotel represents a remarkable example of architectural revival and creative ingenuity. Originally constructed as a grain silo complex in the early 20th century, UK-based architect and industrial designer Thomas Heatherwick transformed this historic industrial landmark into a stunning contemporary urban hotel. By integrating the distinctive original cylindrical form and industrial heritage of the silos with the elegance of a striking modern glass facade, featuring uniquely designed, multi-faceted windows that give a 'pillowed' effect, Heatherwick’s design has created an instantly iconic new landmark on the Cape Town skyline. As with the hotel's exterior, its interior is also a fusion of industrial charm and contemporary elegance, featuring luxurious furnishings, bespoke artworks, and bold design elements.
Innit Lombok - Ekas Bay, Indonesia
Meet Barefoot Chic: On a secluded private beach along the pristine shores of Indonesia's Lombok island, Innit Lombok, designed by acclaimed Indonesian architects Andra Matin, Gregorius Supie Yolodi and Maria Rosantina, is a boutique hotel harmonising minimalist, contemporary design with traditional craftsmanship and environmental integration. Epitomising barefoot luxury, the hotel’s sleek, two-storey villas, affectionately called 'sand castles' for their proximity to the water, feature an open-air ground floor living and dining space that seamlessly blend with the pristine white sand beach they sit upon. In the minimalist interiors of the upper level master bedroom, guests drift to sleep to the soothing soundtrack of lapping waves and awake to a panorama of the sparkling turquoise waters of Ekas Bay.