Step inside six unforgettable escapes where design transcends decoration to become a powerful statement. From daring maximalism and theatrical flair to subtle craftsmanship and mindful minimalism, each space challenges convention and tells a distinct story. These hotels fuse culture, innovation, and artistry, crafting immersive experiences that redefine hospitality and captivate the senses.
NORTH MALÉ ATOLL, MALDIVES
At Patina Maldives, Fari Islands, design is a quiet dialogue between human intention and nature’s rhythm. Conceived by Brazilian architect Marcio Kogan and Studio MK27, the resort’s low-slung pavilions of sustainably sourced wood and textured concrete seem to hover just above the sand, echoing the flat horizon of sea and sky. Villas are oriented for both privacy and perspective—angled to maximize ocean views while preserving native vegetation. Passive cooling techniques, overhanging roofs, and deep eaves embrace tropical breezes and soften sunlight. Open-air corridors, sunken gardens, and breezy courtyards blur the boundaries between interior and landscape, drawing guests into a fluid, sensory experience. Inside, custom furnishings, earthy palettes, and curated artworks evoke a sense of calm. Here, architecture doesn’t just shelter—it listens, frames, and quietly belongs.
BACALAR, MEXICO
At Boca de Agua, architecture becomes a gentle steward of jungle and lagoon. Designed by Mexico City-based architect Frida Escobedo, the resort’s elevated structures rest lightly on stilts, allowing native flora and fauna to thrive below. Crafted from local wood and airy latticed screens, each suite filters sunlight and breeze, offering a constant interplay of shadow, sound, and stillness. The design draws from indigenous building practices and the rhythms of the natural world, while integrating contemporary techniques that minimize environmental impact. Rooftop rainwater harvesting, passive cooling, and modular construction ensure sustainability without compromise. Interiors are spare yet intentional, opening to sweeping views of the seven-colored Bacalar Lagoon.
BALTIMORE, USA
Irreverence and elegance collide at Hotel Ulysses in a maximalist fantasy that reimagines Baltimore’s storied past. Created by design studio Ash, the hotel inhabits a 1912 building that once welcomed opera-goers, misfits, and wanderers—echoes of which remain in its opulent, offbeat interiors. Rooms are richly wrapped in velvet, patterned carpets, dark woods, and marble, creating a surreal, cinematic cocoon. The spirit of the hotel is theatrical and lush, where tiger prints meet crystal sconces and monogrammed whiskey tumblers rest on lacquered bedside tables. Downstairs, a moody all-day café and an opium-den-inspired bar blur the line between indulgence and performance. Ulysses is not just a place to rest—it’s a dream-state of Baltimore, a living story of design, decadence, and delightful disobedience.
SABAH, MALAYSIA
The Luma Hotel in Kota Kinabalu is a vibrant blend of Borneo’s natural beauty and urban creativity. Transformed from a former office building by local firm Seshan Design, it features a striking spiral staircase crafted from Sabahan wood—a tribute to the region’s ancient rainforests. Named “Luma,” meaning “home” in the Bajau language, the hotel offers a warm sanctuary for travelers. Its 115 rooms showcase minimalist Japanese-inspired design with earthy tones and local materials like Sarsi wood and raffia. Sustainability is woven into every detail, from responsibly harvested timber to support for local artisans. This mindful approach reduces environmental impact while celebrating Sabah’s unique cultural identity.
CALIFORNIA, USA
Twelve Senses Retreat in Encinitas offers a serene escape where thoughtful design meets sustainability. Housed in a transformed 1958 home, its architecture features eco-friendly materials like Kebony wood treated with the Shou Sugi Ban technique, Accoya wood, and recycled ocean-plastic tiles. Inside, four rooms inspired by the elements—Fire, Water, Earth, and Air—use natural materials such as cork, wool felt, and recycled leather, creating a tactile, calming atmosphere. The retreat runs entirely on solar power, employs zero-VOC paints, and incorporates water-efficient fixtures and native landscaping. By supporting local artisans and using organic, locally sourced produce, Twelve Senses fosters conscious living, making it a mindful sanctuary for body, mind, and spirit.
QUITO, ECUADOR
Located in Quito’s vibrant La Mariscal district, Carlota celebrates Ecuadorian culture through contemporary design and artisanal craftsmanship. The interiors feature bold colors, hand-painted tiles, and reclaimed wood furnishings sourced from local artisans, creating a warm and authentic atmosphere. Communal spaces include a rooftop terrace with panoramic city views and a lively bar serving cocktails inspired by local ingredients. The hotel is committed to sustainability, incorporating eco-friendly practices such as energy-efficient lighting, waste reduction programs, and using natural, non-toxic materials. By partnering with local craftsmen and prioritizing responsible sourcing, the hotel offers a unique, culturally immersive stay that honors Quito’s heritage while embracing modern comfort and conscious design.
