7 architecturally distinctive destination hotels in Asia

Untouched, rugged places are fodder for architects looking to create a statement. Case in point: Healing Stay Kosmos Hotel in the geological marvel that is Ulleungdo Island, a long drive east plus a three-hour ferry ride from Seoul.

Perched on a craggy seaside cliff, the hotel’s curvaceous architecture stands tall against the island’s rocky landscape. If we didn’t know any better, we would be convinced it was the lair of a James Bond villain. Conceived by Chanjoong Kim, principal of The System Lab, the hotel’s fluid lines are said to depict a seashell. It’s evident that the structure is inspired by its surroundings, specifically the nearby ice- pick-shaped Songgot-bong mountain. Startlingly high ceilings are meant to usher in the positive energy (or chi) flowing throughout the island, while the nature-themed interiors, based on elements like wind and fire, help guests regain a feeling of balance. The most stunning detail of all? The soaring windows that frame the otherworldly volcanic formations, including Elephant Rock. Its stunning architecture is complemented by colourful outdoor furnishings from Kettal, which create perfect spots for admiring the sea views.

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A powerful tribute to nature and architecture— that is the simplest way to describe Shishi-Iwa House, a collection of “intimately crafted architectural masterpieces” in Karuizawa, a mountain resort town near Tokyo. The first two light-filled houses were created by acclaimed architect and Pritzker Prize laureate Shigeru Ban. This year, they’re launching the third house, SSH No.03, designed by Ryue Nishizawa, the co-founder of SANAA and another rare recipient of the Pritzker Prize.

Nishizawa’s first-ever hotel project is characterised by an intellectual, minimalist approach influenced by ma, the Japanese concept of negative space. The 10 rooms and one cabin villa embrace a “less is more” philosophy, sparsely decorated and built using hinoki wood and sustainably sourced timber. The hotel has 10 pavilions linked by winding walkways and garden courtyards that put the focus on the surrounding greenery. Lovers of Japanese craft are in for a treat as it houses a collection of about 50 original ukiyo-e woodblock prints from artists including Utagawa Hiroshige and Shibata Zeshin in the 1840s, as well as Azechi Umetaro and Sekino Junichiro in the 1960s. SSH No. 03 is also crafted as a wellness escape, with a bathhouse and tea house, and plans to provide massage, yoga and meditation sessions in the future.

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Think of the coolest spots in Bali, and something from Potato Head Group will invariably spring to mind. Established by entrepreneur Ronald Akili, Desa Potato Head was ahead of the curve when it opened in 2010 in Seminyak, Bali as the first creative and carbon-neutral village celebrating art, design, food, music and wellness.

The newest part of this buzzing destination is Potato Head Studios, an arresting, modern hotel designed in partnership with OMA, the practice founded by Rem Koolhaas. Sprawling tropical greenery softens the ultra-brutalist architecture, and dotted around the complex are numerous art pieces such as the collaboration with Futura2000 called “Pointman – River Warrior”, a sculpture made from repurposed waste materials found in Bali. The use of renewable and eco-conscious materials is a thread running through the hotel’s 168 rooms, which feature a recycled-plastic chair and accessories from British designer Max Lamb as well as homegrown creations sourced from Indonesian artisans. All in all, it is another pioneering example that delivers on Potato Head’s mantra of “Good Times, Do Good”.

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Dubbed the Paris of India, the romance of Jaipur stretches far beyond its grid-like urban architecture. From the Hawa Mahal’s pink sandstone facade to the precious gems to be found in the city’s bustling bazaars, the capital of Rajasthan is an aesthete’s travel dream. The best boutique hotels are those that capture the magic of the destination, and the Johri Jaipur is a good example. Set in a carefully restored 19th-century home called Lal Haveli, the five-suite hotel is a feast for the eyes. New York-based designer Naina Shah’s clever interplay of colour, texture, pattern and art imbues each space with a distinct personality.

One suite features blush-hued walls with scalloped patterns, while another is swathed with baby-blue paint juxtaposed with red and white floor tiles. One of the most mesmerising decor details is in the Pukhraj Lounge, where one can inspect the hand-painted murals depicting the wilds of Rajasthan while enjoying “high chai”. The house also boasts a private courtyard—an ideal al fresco respite before venturing out to the colourful chaos of the Jewellers’ Bazaar, just a few steps away from the hotel.

Victoria Harbour is lined with hotels left and right, but few are as well placed as the Regent Hong Kong, which occupies a prime stretch with the best cityscape views. It marks a homecoming for the brand—this was once the flagship hotel of the Regent—and it brought renowned architect Chi Wing Lo on board to lead the two-year transformation.

As it opens in stages this year, guests will uncover Lo’s overarching vision, founded on providing a serene sanctuary. Upon arrival, one is greeted by a “Golden Illusion” passageway in the lobby, which consists of 16 glass-brick screens that filter in light referencing Chinese liu li glass art. The idea of light and reflection is evident throughout the hotel: there’s an onyx check-in counter, a misty effect on the lobby’s glass balustrades, and a mesh-patterned mirrored sliding door in the guest rooms. The hotel also features art from local talents and handmade furnishings from Lo’s namesake brand. The most masterful stroke is the way he enhances the picture-perfect views through well-thought-out design that draws the eye outside. According to Lo: “a beautiful view without a special vantage is merely a postcard anyone can buy; a view without a frame is simply a view that has not passed through the eyes’ lens.”

With its glorious art nouveau and neoclassical influences, this majestic mountainous resort would look right at home in a Wes Anderson-directed film. But it truly exists in real life, and is not mere fantasy; situated up in the mountainous Sapa region in Vietnam, the Hotel de la Coupole - MGallery presents an enchanting escape from the everyday.

Dreamt up by American hospitality design maestro Bill Bensley, the hotel presents a series of stage-like vignettes that marry inspiration from the local hill tribes and the exclusive world of haute couture in Paris. This eclectic and playful mix includes tasselled decorative lampshades and mirrors that reference the traditional clothing and headgear that the village women don, along with framed vintage illustrations sourced from France. Among its most spectacular spaces is the vast indoor swimming pool, which brings to mind Hungary’s grandest baths and spas, and Chic, the property’s French restaurant with a glamorous catwalk and wistful views of the mountains beyond.

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