Five of the most fashionable hotels in the world

The perennially popular Cycladic Islands of Santorini are what dreams are made of.

A much sought-after place by the rich and famous, Santorini is emblematic of everything there is to love about Greece with its whitewashed stone houses, blue domed roofs, narrow meandering alleyways, and rugged clifftops, which overlook the glittering waters of the Aegean and its notorious sunsets.

Katikies is perhaps its most famous five-star hotel, Located in the north-western coastal town of Oia and constructed into the historic caldera, it’s renowned for its impeccable service, striking less-is-more architecture, and intimate atmosphere.

Elegantly styled bright white rooms and suites feature accents of sea-blue in the soft furnishings, with curved archways that give it that typical Greek Island feel – all while providing the utmost in contemporary luxury comforts.

Why not make it extra special and splash out on the gorgeous Master Suite with Plunge Pool, which has extraordinary views across the caldera from its spacious veranda?

Highlights:

• Three infinity pools, indoor and outdoor jetted tubs, and a relaxing sunbathing deck
• Exquisite fine dining at Botrini’s Santorini, all-day dining at Katikies’ Upper and Lower Deck Lounges, and the Champagne Bar by Fleur de Miraval
• Indulgent hidden spa cave Katikies Spa Suite 

London will be forever known as one of the most fashionable cities in the world with cool people, cool restaurants, and cool things to do. And England’s capital plays host to the biggest names in music, sport, and arts and culture, meaning there are innumerable trendy hotels in every corner of the city.

The London EDITION is a five-star offering positioned in the wonderfully gritty entertainment district of Soho, moments away from the wealthy shopping and dining areas of Mayfair and Covent Garden.

Set in a historic building, the hotel’s chic nautical-themed rooms and suites are decorated in the style of a cabin on a luxury yacht, featuring designer art and furnishings as well as slick bathrooms with modern monsoon showers.

Berners Tavern is the hotel’s restaurant helmed by Michelin-starred Executive Chef Jason Atherton and his signature twist on typical British fare, in a broodingly historical setting full of charm and refinement. And the Lobby Bar provides an equally chic spot for a game of snooker and a cheeky tipple.

Highlights:

• The 2,098 sq. ft Penthouse Suite with wraparound terrace delivers striking views over London’s iconic skyline – the perfect spot for a drink before heading back out to the glitzy streets of Soho
• The Punch Room is an ultra-cool hangout offering craft cocktails in a space decked out to imitate one of London’s 19th-century private clubs
• The complimentary on-site fitness centre features a range of excellent cardiovascular equipment and top-of-the-range machines

The Indonesian province of Bali – suitably referred to as the Land of the Gods – remains one of the most popular destinations to visit in the world due to its tropical landscape, delectable food, and its rich and diverse culture. A mesmerising culture in which spiritual meaning is found in almost everything.

Easily one of the most fashionable hotels in the world, not least due to its location, Hanging Gardens of Bali is an award-winning slice of heaven in the heart of the jungle.

The hotel rests on the edge of a lush valley and is surrounded by striking rice terraces just a little north of Ubud, which is famed for being the art and culture capital of Bali. 

Highlights:

• Five out-of-this-world suites within the Hidden Palace, an exclusive hideaway totally submerged in the forest for ultimate seclusion and tropical luxury
• Award-winning Spa Collection for world-class treatments with a backdrop of the tranquil undulations of the Ayung River
• Three Elements restaurant offering award-winning cuisine influenced by Western and Indonesian flavours, and Intimate Jungle Dining for a romantic dinner setting for two

An iconic hotel that truly broke the mould, the towering Burj Al Arab placed Dubai on the map as a seriously desirable holiday destination. Its dhow- or yacht sail-shaped exterior is a beacon of Arabian luxury and after more than twenty years, the hotel remains one of THE places to be seen. It's no surprise that it's one of the most expensive hotels in the world. 

This all-suite hotel offers accommodation that is suitably lavish, with lofty ocean views, sumptuous beds, world-class butler services and all the modern technological comforts you can think of.

The facilities are second-to-none with award-winning, exquisite dining and drinking across eight bars and restaurants, including global cuisines such as French, Italian, and Middle Eastern dishes. 

For daytime relaxation under the Arabian sun, The Terrace is an unprecedented man-made luxury beach facility on a 10,000-square-metre platform.

It features two pools embellished with one million gold and azure mosaic tiles, four Jacuzzis, SAL Restaurant, cabanas, and a beach area (containing 1,100 tonnes of imported white sand).

The Burj Al Arab also boasts world-leading wellness facilities, Talise Spa & Fitness, an opulent place to unwind, luxuriate and keep fit with a stunning infinity pool, state-of-the-art gym, and full programme of fitness classes.

Highlights:

• Guests at the Burj Al Arab enjoy free admission to Wild Wadi Waterpark™, one of Dubai’s most iconic attractions
• The hotel has its own fleet of supercars including Aston Martins, Ferraris, and Lamborghinis for hire so you can explore the city in ultimate style
• The 27th-floor Skyview Bar is a very stylish place to enjoy an evening cocktail or two overlooking the iridescent gulf waters below

New York, the colossal name says it all. Home to the most famous cityscape in the world, and whether you have visited the Big Apple or not, you will be able to conjure up images of yellow cabs, iconic skyscrapers, Central Park, out-of-this-world pizza, and so much more, without giving it a second thought.

A contender as one of the top designer hotels in the world, The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel – located in the swish Upper East Side – is a staunch fixture in the city and has been for the best part of 100 years.

Opening its doors in 1930, this iconic establishment embodies the very soul of classic New York, with elegant dining venues reminiscent of a bygone era and timeless décor throughout its 192 rooms and 92 suites. 

All accommodation has been beautifully decorated by renowned interior designers including Tony Chi and Thierry Despont.

Ultra-chic Bemelmans Bar has been a favourite with New Yorkers and tourists alike since 1947. Named after author Ludwig Bemelmans, the bar’s walls are adorned with his imaginative illustrations – the only surviving public commission of his work.

Plus, you know this place is seriously fashionable when Debbie Harry has performed intimate gigs here!

Highlights:

• The hotel played host to the late icon Princess Diana in the 1980s during her royal visit, as well as being a regular haunt of John F. Kennedy’s, while his wife Jackie resided here for months after his assassination
• The hotel is within walking distance of MOMA (the Metropolitan Museum of Modern Art) and leafy Central Park
• Valmont Spa at the Carlyle is regarded as one of the top spas in the city, with world-class facilities and impeccable service