Designer Hotels in the World

The world of design is a vast and dynamic stage where creativity thrives in its many forms. Designers, upon reaching their pinnacle of success, branch out to other fields on which they can also make their mark. Such is the case for these brands, which are taking their trademark styles and turning them into distinct experiences. From the exclusive resort overlooking Bali’s unspoilt beachfront to the hotel palace in Australia that hails Renaissance artistry and design—we take you to the most elegant designer hotels in the world built by these established luxury brands.

Palazzo Versace Gold Coast

As the first fashion-branded hotel in the world, Palazzo Versace crosses the boundaries of design with the fashion house’s signature elegant style translated into every aspect of the hotel’s distinctly Italian architecture, airy ambience, bespoke furnishings, and intricate ornamentation. Echoing Gianni Versace’s love for luxury, design, and beauty, Palazzo Versace brings the opulence once confined to the grand hotels of Europe to the magical waterfront setting of the Gold Coast. Each of 200 rooms and 72 condominiums is designed to capture light from its natural sources, with floor-to ceiling windows that invite the Gold Coast sunshine and azure skies to pour in.

Palazzo Versace Gold Coast

Situated in between the Pacific Ocean and the Gold Coast Broadwater, Palazzo Versace provides myriad opportunities for leisure and also business. Housing three award-winning restaurants, a famed day spa, a fitness and wellbeing centre, a private marina, and impressively designed meeting facilities, Palazzo Versace is a destination within a destination.

Bulgari Hotel and Resort Bali

An undisturbed view of the Indian Ocean awaits guests at the Bulgari Hotel and Resort, which sits 150 metres above the seashore, atop the Uluwatu. As part of an exclusive destination, the resort offers unparalleled levels of privacy and peace, which is perfect for intimate occasions and relaxing vacations.

Bulgari Hotel and Resort Bali

Designed by Antonio Citterio, Patricial Viel, and Partners, the Bulgari Resort Bali houses 59 villas, all of which include oversized bathroom and living areas, luxurious bedrooms overlooking the ocean, a patio, a garden, and a plunge pool that faces the cliff tops and the sea. The largest of the villas, the Bulgari Villa, is big enough to hold up to 50 guests. The Bulgari Mansions take guests closer to home with special amenities. Lastly, in the heart of the resort is The Spa, a haven of holistic healing that brings together the traditions of Indonesian massage and the contemporary techniques and technologies of modern spa.

Baccarat Hotel and Residences New York

In lavish fashion, the French crystal maker ventured into luxury properties in March 2015 with its flagship hotel and residences in New York. Located directly across the street from the Museum of Modern Art, the Baccarat Hotel and Residences’ glass façade mimics the radiance of the Baccarat crystal along its 50 storey structure.

Baccarat Hotel and Residences New York

The Paris-based design duo Gilles & Bossier crafted every inch of the rooms and suites of the hotel, and created nearly all the furniture for the hotel’s lobby and lounges using artisanal Baccarat crystal elements. On the other hand, New York designers Tony Ingrao and Stephen Sills took care of the 60 residences and the contemporary French restaurant, Chevalier.

Armani Hotel Dubai

Situated within the tallest building in the world, the Armani Hotel and Residences exemplify what it is like to live the high life. Understated elegance is the highlight of the Armani Hotel experience in Dubai, as explicitly conveyed by each of the 160 guestrooms and suites. As a purveyor of the home away from home experience, Giorgio Armani has placed great emphasis on visual aesthetics and unparalleled levels of service.

Armani Hotel Dubai

Banking on the growing metropolitan landscape of downtown Dubai, Armani Hotel boasts seven distinct dining concepts within its floors: a lounge, a Mediterranean restaurant, an Italian spot, an Indian place, a deli, a Japanese restaurant and lounge, and a VIP club. On the lighter side of things, the Armani/SPA offer individual treatments and creative spa cuisine, among many other services.

Hotel Lungarno Florence

For a charming Tuscan and Florentine experience, a suite at the Hotel Lungarno which features a stunning view of the River Arno should complete the trip. Quaint and atmospheric, each of the 59 rooms and 14 suites of the hotel is bathed in the light of the Italian sun.

Hotel Lungarno Florence

Owned by the Ferragamo Group, the hotel also has access to a precious art collection from the 20^th century, which includes the works of Picasso and Cocteau. Guests can also explore the Salvatore Ferragamo Museum, where the well which Dante’s wife, Beatrice, fetched water from is situated in. Historical Ferragamo shoe collections including models created for Audrey Hepburn and Judy Garland are available for sale in the Santa Trinita boutique.

Photos from respective hotel’s websites.