At Livingetc, we are always after destinations that don't just ignite our sense of wonder, but also capture the authenticity of specific geographical locations — whether that's presenting us with their traditions, natural and cultural highlights, and curiosities, or challenging the preconceptions we had of them altogether. We think the world's best design hotels should do exactly the same, and for a reason.
As we explore in detail in our Travel Trends 2025 Report, today's travelers are far more interested in the experiences that shape their itineraries than they are in solely the destinations per se. But don't get us wrong: this doesn't mean that the places we choose to visit are losing importance — the opposite. Now, staycations, wellness-aiding retreats, and slow travel are redefining the face of tourism, prompting us to rediscover previously overlooked areas of our countries, take up vacations as an opportunity to put our physical and mental wellbeing first, or do so over lengthier periods of time than we have been used to. Within this picture, the best design hotels in the world have the opportunity to truly become what they have long longed to be: homes away from home. Places that can, at once, comfort, uplift, and inspire us.
Picked, experienced, loved, and reviewed by Livingetc's editors, the stays mentioned below don't just master the art of hotel design, with revered interior trailblazers and burgeoning names taking turns to make them memorable, but have also incorporated standout experiences into their offering that grant them top-of-class status.
1. NIHI Sumba. West Sumba Regency, ID
Best for: Tropical Getaways and Breathtaking Nature
Staying at NIHI Sumba is like stepping into another world — one where luxury meets raw, untamed beauty. The journey to the hotel is an adventure in itself: a flight from Bali followed by a (long) drive. But this remoteness is part of the magic, offering a true sense of retreat. When I visited, it was the only property on the island catering to Westerners, though new developments were on the horizon, so do your research before booking if that is a priority. The villas were masterpieces of design, blending strong patterns, vibrant colors, and intricate craftsmanship, often across multiple stories. Mine was across two levels, with an outdoor bath that made me feel completely connected to the lush surroundings. The private terrace became my favorite spot, especially at sunset, when the sky turned a hundred shades of pink and orange and the local horses could be seen galloping along the beach.
The highlight of my stay was the Spa Safari. The day started with a private trek through lush greenery and local villages to a secluded beach. After a live-cooked breakfast under the palms, I was spoiled with treatments all day in a setting so peaceful it felt almost other worldly — it truly is an immersion in luxury in nature. Surfers marvel at the "world's most exclusive wave" (indeed, it was a love of this break that first seduced the Nihi’s founders into setting up here). You need to book a slot, ensuring the perfect, uncrowded ride. For me, it only got as adventurous as trekking to the shimmering blue waterfall, but that was more than enough. NIHI Sumba isn't just a hotel — it's a life-changing escape.
Book your stay at NIHI Sumba, one of the world's best design hotels, according to Livingetc.
2. Aman Venice. Venice, Italy
Best for: Venetian Romance, at Its Finest
Aman hotels don't really need any introduction, nor do they need any justification as to why they have been included in a best hotels list. I have now stayed in more than five across both America, Asia, and Europe, so it took some deliberation as to which to mention here as my one choice. Aman Venice just edged it for offering something so utterly unique and next level, in a city full of grand dames. We arrived by boat, whisked straight from the airport to the hotel's discrete entrance on the Grand Canal, and it instantly felt like stepping into a different world. Venice will always be romantic, but this was romance Aman-style. The building (16th-century Palazzo Papadopoli) has been masterfully renovated, blending that trademark Aman-style chic with iconic original features. Frescoes and ornate Murano glass chandeliers adorn the spaces, paired with the chicest B&B Italia furniture and minimalist detailing. The rooms are, of course, uniquely spacious. It is grand, for sure, but also intimate and serene, and a true sanctuary.
Needless to say, the service was impeccable, too. Every need was anticipated with quiet efficiency. I traveled with my (very well behaved) then 1-year-old and was slightly apprehensive about bringing a toddler to such a prestigious property. However, the staff couldn't have been more accommodating or welcoming. From arranging amenities to offering thoughtful gestures throughout our stay, they made us feel completely at home. The price is totally eye-watering, but the expression 'Aman Junkies' is utterly justified — I am addicted too!
Book your stay at Aman Venice, one of the world's best design hotels, according to Livingetc.
3. Warren Street Hotel. New York, US
Best for: TriBeCa Vibrancy and Urban Explorations
Having now stayed at the Warren Street Hotel four times in the year since it opened, I can confidently say this New York hotel feels like a home away from home. The reception team's warm greeting by name upon check-in always makes me feel genuinely welcomed and the bar staff even remembers I drink French 75s — how's that for service? Now with 11 hotels in total across the Firmdale Group, owners and interior designers Kit and Minnie Kemp have perfected a design methodology that feels fresh and inviting. The rooms are both lovely and livable, adorned with vibrant patterns and colors. All have great Manhattan views (water towers included), but perhaps unsurprisingly, the most stunning suites are the ones with roof terraces.
The hotel's art collection, curated by one of Kit's other daughters, Willow, is a visual delight. Each piece adds character and tells a story, making every corner of the hotel intriguing. Even the lifts have cute and playful pieces. It’s very Firmdale. The vibe here is local and friendly, a true reflection of its TriBeCa location. The neighborhood itself is vibrant and buzzing, with some of the best restaurants in the city. We love One White Street and The Union. Plus, it's a simple and quick subway ride uptown to museums, shops, and Central Park, making it an ideal base for exploring the city. Each stay at the Warren Street Hotel reinforces why I will keep returning: exceptional service, inspiring art, perfect décor, and a prime location.
4. Estelle Manor. North Leigh, UK
Best for: British Country House Luxury, Reinvented
Just an hour's drive away from London, Estelle Manor offers the perfect short escape. From the very moment we arrived, the ambiance was chic and tranquil. Though it is linked to the Mayfair-based members' club Maison Estelle, it doesn't feel overly exclusive or pretentious. Instead, the vibe is relaxed, cool, and friendly. The rooms are delightful, giving a stylish yet comfortable aesthetic that nods to the classic British country house look, while incorporating modern touches like bold patterns and contemporary art. Details like bougie bedding and lovely toiletries make it feel very luxurious. Some people head to country house hotels for local walks and pub visits, but for me it was about lounging by the stunning outdoor pool under a chic parasol. Surrounded by large gardens, it is an excellent spot for people-watching and soaking in the atmosphere. And it must be added that the cocktails served poolside were exceptional — perfectly balanced and creative.
The thermal baths experience was stand-out. Although it initially seemed pricey when I booked it, the attention to detail and the serene setting made it worth it and I only wish I had bolted on a massage experience for true relaxing-maxxing. Dining at Estelle Manor is equally impressive, with several restaurants all in lovely settings. Unfortunately, the much-talked-about Chinese restaurant wasn't open during our stay, but other options, such as the Mediterranean-inspired dishes, more than made up for it. The panzanella at The Glasshouse? Unforgettable.
Book your stay at Estelle Manor, one of the world's best design hotels, according to Livingetc.
5. Six Senses Kyoto. Kyoto, Japan
Best for: Sleep Tourism and Culture Full-Immersions
Six Senses Kyoto offers a peaceful retreat from the bustling cultural capital of Japan. The city is famed for its Shinto shrines, cherry trees, and the Geisha district of Gion, and all are within easy reach, but feel a million miles away. The 81-room hotel is artfully laid out around a tranquil central rock and water garden. BLINK Design Group drew inspiration from the Heian period, Japan's golden age of art and culture, weaving quirky, folkloric elements, organic tones, and natural materials into the hotel's design. All are captured in the airy lobby, its lofty timber ceiling, and hand-painted tile screen, inspired by the 1,000-year-old Tale of Genji, and whimsical wall art featuring frolicking animals (a modern take on Chōjū-Giga, said to be the original manga).
Throughout, restful, pale paneled timber walls are off-set by traditional artworks; in the bedrooms, headboards made with rotating panels with a traditional Asanoha pattern on one side and red lacquer on the other that catch the eye. As you would expect from a hotel with a sleep program, there is a pillow menu, bespoke Naturalmat mattresses, and organic bedding to ensure a restful stay. The Zen-inspired spa is a welcome haven from sight-seeing, while the traditional onsen eases aches and pains away. The dining experience is just as heavenly: the restaurant, Sekki, serves the best locally-grown food, with Cafe Sekki offering everything from homemade kombucha to guilt-free pastries. The intimate Nine Tails speakeasy is an unexpected surprise: its bar counter is decorated with tiles inspired by artist Furuta Oribe and set against the backdrop of apothecary drawers and back-lit umeshu jars — a wonderful spot to end a busy day.
Book your stay at Six Senses Kyoto, one of the world's best design hotels, according to Livingetc.
6. OKU Kos. Kos, Greece
Best for: Slowcations and Soulful Design
Can it even be a 'best design hotels in the world' roundup without an elevated, baked-in-the-sun Mediterranean getaway? I don't think so — and you shouldn't either. At OKU Kos, the best of Japanese style décor and mindfulness and revitalizing Greek hospitality collide into an unparalleled experience. Perfectly situated on the northern coast of the island in the resort town of Marmari, and filled with sweeping views of the cerulean blue Aegean, it offers the ultimate mix of relaxed design and gentle, grown-up beachy glamour. Its interiors, developed by Lambs + Lions, Mastrominas Architects, and Annabell Kutucu, exemplify this blend of repose and sophistication. Meticulously styled within the brutalist frame of OKU Kos' architectural volumes, the modern rustic furnishings of the hotel nod to both Japan's woodwork tradition and the organicness of the southern European way of life, embodied by the area's thriving olive groves. The property's state-of-the-art spa, nourishing gastronomic offering, and pervading peacefulness make it into a multisensory journey. I have been twice, and wouldn't rule out a third visit.
Book your stay at OKU Kos, one of the world's best design hotels, according to Livingetc.
7. San Francisco Proper Hotel. San Francisco, US
Best for: Instagram-Worthy Design and Celebrity Spotting
As a Kelly Wearstler fanboy, I don't think any list of the best design hotels in the world roundups would ever be complete without a mention of Proper Hotels and its micro-chain of properties ingeniously envisioned by the Californian interior design star. Wearstler designed the hotels in Austin, Downtown LA, Santa Monica, and San Francisco, and while they are all equally beautiful, it's the latter that has my vote. I visited the San Francisco Proper Hotel in 2020, and was struck by how brilliantly Wearstler employs pattern, even in smaller spaces such as the rooms. While the bedrooms are neutral color palettes, there is a different patterned wallpaper on each wall, something I had never seen before. It feels boutique, for a hotel on this scale — a design with never a dull moment.
The restaurant, where you can eat breakfast, is a beautifully unexpected light blue, compact but special, while the impressively lofty lobby is filled with gallery walls with fun arrangements of modern art. The hotel itself is a flat-iron building, midway down Market Street: one of San Fran's busiest roads, it now homes the likes of the X (formerly known as Twitter) HQs. Wearstler designed the hotel's rooftop bar, too, which is a cool hangout with Instagram-post worthy décor, including striped lounge chairs. It is a bit of a hip hotspot for drinks and casual dining, and you will need to book separately from your hotel stay (but you can visit even if you are not a guest). I saw Sting in there — my vacation's claim to fame.
8. Osborn House. New South Wales, Australia
Best for: Warmcations and Star-Struck Lovers
Nestled in the misty Southern Highlands, a few hours south of Sydney, Australia, Osborn House is a luxury boutique stay in a class of its own. Renowned interior designer Linda Boronkay — Soho House & Co's former UK, Europe & Asia Design Director — has penned a new chapter for the storied 1890s manor, curating a colorful take on Cotswolds charm within an iconic Australian bush setting. Unlike some five-star hotels, this one feels like you are being welcomed into a friend's home (a very stylish friend, I might add).
Fires crackle away in cozy rooms, large windows frame views of the lush landscape, walls feature hand-painted motifs, and collected treasures sit on every surface. I could have spent hours just exploring, but to be honest, I spent far too much time in my room — I blame the four-poster bed and luxurious Frette bedding. Overall, the interiors were eclectic and playful, but oozed with elegance. Elsewhere on the estate, there;s an indoor pool with a retractable roof, tennis court, luxury spa, restaurant, and bar, all in-house. Since my stay, they have also introduced 'Fire Feasts' where dinner is cooked outside on a large iron dome in line with age-old South American traditions. Not that I needed an excuse to go back…
Book your stay at Osborn House, one of the world's best design hotels, according to Livingetc.
9. Palazzo Talìa. Rome, Italy
Best for: Cinephile Travelers and Art Lovers
Frescoed ceilings, hypnotic Nigel Peake rugs guiding guests from the lobby into their rooms, and from their rooms back into the communal areas, cinematic mirrored walls proving the 1970s are in, cooler than ever, and enough marble statues to inform a whole course in Roman art history — where do I begin? You see, when it comes to describing Palazzo Talìa, another one of the world's best design hotels, words seem to lose their meaning. Sited in the brilliantly restored 16th-century building where Il Collegio del Nazareno, Rome's oldest educational institution, once found its home, this quirkily decorated 5-star luxury stay is a joint collaboration between Oscar-winning director Luca Guadagnino's namesake architectural studio (studiolucaguadagnino), who oversaw the creation of its public spaces and a signature Terrace Suite, MIA Home Design Gallery's Marianna Lubrano Lavadera, and Laura Feroldi Studio, both of whom curated the making of its spaciously chic, eclectic rooms.
Bringing the Suspiria filmmaker's watercolor palette and narrative dynamism into the hotel design scene, stepping inside Palazzo Talìa feels like entering a dream of sorts. From the sculptural Murano glass chandeliers gracefully floating above its reception to the juxtaposition of old and — retro-fueled — new of its décor, the pop details of Il Bar della Musa, gold leaf-encrusted floral motifs of the Tramae restaurant, and Roman baths-inspired spa, everything here was designed to tell a story of grandeur, beauty, and fantasy. Moments away from the capital's most coveted sites, the hotel is a microcosm of Italian excellence, bringing you sublime dishes assembled with care by Chef Marco Coppola and a thoroughly invigorating travel experience. Judge for yourself, but to me, it felt like a film.
Book your stay at Palazzo Talìa, one of the world's best design hotels, according to Livingetc.
10. Hotel Valley Ho. Scottsdale, US
Best for: Mid-Century Modern Fans and Hollywood Glam
If someone asked me to pin down the moment I discovered my love of mid-century modern furniture and Modernism more widely, I wouldn't hesitate: it was March 2024, only a couple of months before joining Livingetc as the magazine's Lifestyle Editor, and I found myself in Scottsdale, Arizona. After spending a day at Taliesin West, one of the numerous Frank Lloyd Wright houses designed by the pioneering American architect in his 70-years-spanning career, also functioning as his desert studio, and visiting the mystical Cosanti — the home and workshop of the Italian-American Paolo Soleri, a former student of Wright and a genius in his own right — I checked in at Hotel Valley Ho. Situated in Downtown Scottsdale, and originally built in 1956, this stay has the power to have you travel back in time.
The brainchild of Modernist architect Edward L. Varney, whose iconic vision was preserved by the hotel's grand reopening in 2005 following a thorough renovation led by Allen + Philp Architects, it boasts a frame punctuated by dramatic rock walls, floor-to-ceiling glass windows, and chrome metallic accents, each blurring the lines between the outside and the indoors, and echoing the Wright-conceptualized idea of organic architecture. Its 241 rooms and suites, restored to their former glory by the local 3rd Story studio, are as spacious, bright, and welcoming as they are extraordinarily crafted. A daring palette of reds, oranges, yellows, and blues, brought to life by futuristically shaped furnishings and décor additions, imbues the ambience with a disco-like feeling, while ever-so-stylish Smeg appliances make visitors feel at home. The food and drinks are both moreish and retro-inspired — the ultimate combo for nostalgia-led wanderers — the 1960s tunes of the lobby amplify the stuck-in-time feel of the hotel, the pool is the Arizona answer to Palm Springs' cool, and the views from its rooftop, letting the greenery of Camelback Mountain and vibrancy of Scottsdale's skyline in, simply worth the check. You know it: I can't wait to have a reason to come back.
Book your stay at Hotel Valley Ho, one of the world's best design hotels, according to Livingetc.
11. Heritance Kandalama. Dambulla, Sri Lanka
Best for: Architecture Nerds and Natural Escapes
I recently had the pleasure of immersing myself in the out-of-this-world hotel that is Heritance Kandalama, designed by the late Sri Lankan architect Deshamanya Geoffrey Bawa. Blending Tropical Modernism — a movement he pioneered — with a subtly European sensibility, this unique getaway epitomizes soulful heritage. Upon my arrival at the property, I was greeted by some of the finest works of art — every corner had a special story to tell, which was truly fascinating. To bring the hotel to life, Deshamanya collaborated with a series of renowned Sri Lankan artists. From alluring sculptures to the Bakit designs surrounding the ceilings, and the enchanting handmade tiles adorning the walls behind the reception desk — a representation of "the passage of time from dawn to dusk," the staff told me — the stay filled me with the joy of cultural education in its finest form.
Seen from the outside, Heritance Kandalama appears completely wrapped in green foliage, making a standout example of indoor-outdoor living. I was taken by how nature welcomed me when I entered my room: the floor-to-ceiling windows made me feel one with it and the water that flowed beneath. It was an experience that reminded me of how the organic environment and design can truly become one. The room played on wooden features beautifully, charging modernism with vintage flair. Aside from the beauty of the interiors, the food, service, and overall experience is one I will never forget — and one I highly recommend, especially if you are seeking an escape into nature.
Book your stay at Heritance Kandalama, one of the world's best design hotels, according to Livingetc.
12. La Mamounia. Marrakech, Marocco
Best for: Dazzling Décor and Wellness Retreats
You can't visit Morocco without traveling to Marrakech, and you can't be in Marrakech without experiencing La Mamounia. This luxury hotel is rated one of the best in the country for a reason, and trust me when I say that, in this case, the recommendation comes from a true local. But La Mamounia's myth reaches far beyond the Moroccan borders. As one of the world's best design hotels, getaways adopt an entirely different meaning when you step into its grounds. A regenerating, atmospheric spa, suites and riyads drenched in historic architecture and known to have accommodated iconic guests like US President Franklin Roosevelt and legendary French designer Yves Saint Laurent, along with a stellar culinary offering unfolding across Asian, Italian, Moroccan, and Mediterranean-inspired restaurants, are only some of the perks that come with your booking at La Mamounia. Immersing yourself in Morocco's kaleidoscopic culture and breathing its prestigious charm has never been easier than at this storied hotel, which is exactly why I have chosen it as my go-to stay and oasis of tranquility from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Book your stay at La Mamounia, one of the world's best design hotels, according to Livingetc.
13. The Hotel Chelsea. New York, US
Best for: Passion-Led Tourism (Read *Art*)
I haven't stayed overnight at The Hotel Chelsea yet, but I have spent a significant amount of time there — visiting friends' suites and lingering at the Lobby Bar. One of the best New York design hotels, its iconic history is woven into every corner: once a refuge for artists (Andy Warhol, Mark Twain, and Patti Smith, to name a few), many of whom traded canvases for room keys, it now houses a unique and ever-evolving art collection. Its design is best described as eccentricity meets elegance: think plush velvets, cheetah-patterned chairs, and original Chinese Deco carpets, all set against ornate Spanish-style plasterwork. There is an electric energy — and a healthy (some say ghostly) kind of grit — at The Hotel Chelsea, one I have consistently admired from the edges for far too long. Soon, it will be my turn to experience it to the fullest. I have got a birthday staycation booked in just a couple of weeks, and already look forward to sharing more.
Book your stay at The Hotel Chelsea, one of the world's best design hotels, according to Livingetc.
Haven't made your mind up yet as to where to go next? We can't blame you. As when it comes to travel, the options are endless, why not consider taking a moment or two to research hidden trails worth following in the year ahead before looking for the best design hotels to accommodate your desire for adventure? You'll be surprised to see how many more places are still there to explore — just do it responsibly.
