• Culture & Travel

6 Stunning Designer Hotels to Stay In On Your Next Holiday

Each of these properties offers a truly indulgent experience.
  • ByDiya J Verma

The Royal Suite by Gucci at The Savoy London

The joys of exploring a new destination is entirely unmatched, and it’s even better if your sojourn is peppered with hints of haute couture. Some of the world’s most prominent fashion houses have ventured into the world of hospitality—the likes of Bvlgari, Armani, and Gucci, among others—elevating the luxury travel experience like no other. These must-visit boutique stays offer sweeping, panoramic views, Michelin star-worthy meals, and state-of-the-art interiors. Once you have experienced this decadent refinement, other hot spots will fail to match up.

The Royal Suite by Gucci at The Savoy London
London, England

The bedroom at The Royal Suite by Gucci.

The House of Gucci and The Savoy Hotel in Central London joined forces to give guests an ultra-luxurious experience in 2021, to celebrate the 100th year of the iconic luxury brand. Occupying the fifth floor of the establishment, the suite, overlooking the Thames River, is a feast for the senses.

The Royal Gucci Suite pays homage to the Maison’s century-long relationship. Not many are aware that young Guccio Gucci—the Maison’s founder—worked at the hotel as a porter in the late 1800s. Today, an entire floor of the luxury property serves as a heartfelt ode to their shared history.

The expansive space is bedecked with items from Gucci’s décor collection, along with objet d’art, opulent antiquities, and cashmere-draped upholstery with a generous sprinkling of Gucci’s signature monogram. With a personal butler by your side, and Savoy mixologists preparing delicious cocktails, every whim of yours will be catered to at this extravagant hotel.

The dressing room at The Royal Suite by Gucci.

Bulgari Resort
Bali, Indonesia

The spa at the Bulgari Resort Bali.

On a quest to set up luxury stays across the globe, Bulgari’s Bali resort is one of the Italian designer’s finest establishments. Nestled on an island in The Orient, the hotel comprises 59 villas composed of a blend of Bulgari fabrics and Balinese materials to offer its visitors a unique, high-end experience. This luxury getaway exemplifies tropical paradise with picturesque ocean views, private gardens, plunge pools, and a 24/7 butler.

The scenic retreat serves Italian and Indonesian delicacies at its restaurants, La Spiaggia, Sangkar, and Luca Fantin, and a refined selection of cocktails and canapés at The Bulgari Bar. The exploratory activities offered by the property have been designed to help you immerse yourself in the local culture. Visit the Ubud artistic and cultural centre on a day-long excursion, indulge in the Melukat Purifying Ceremony to cleanse your body and soul, hone your culinary skills in a Balinese cooking class, and participate in an artisanal workshop to learn more about the intricate crafting process. If you’re seeking solace on this trip, visit the cliff-top Pura Luhur Uluwatu Sea Temple and watch the sunset as 50 Balinese artists perform a traditional Kecak dance.

The pool at the Bulgari Resort Bali.

Armani Hotel
Milan, Italy

The scenic circular staircase at the Armani Hotel Milan.

One of two luxury hotels—the first in Dubai—launched in collaboration with Emaar Properties PJSC, Armani’s Milan property boasts minimalist magnificence, featuring beige-toned upholstery in over 95 guest rooms and suites.

Synonymous with the couturier’s simplistic, albeit sophisticated aesthetic, the property offers world-class spa services, a fitness centre, and a hotel balcony that lends you a 360-degree view of the global fashion capital.

Fine dining at its best, relish delectable dishes at the restaurant and lounge bar that boast contemporary china and floor-to-ceiling rooftop views of Milan through black louvered windows. With 173 attractions and 136 restaurants in a 0.5 km radius, this designer hotspot is the perfect place to create everlasting memories. The best part is that this chic hotel allows you to bring your furry friends along.

The bath, part of the deluxe rooms, at the Armani Hotel Milan.

Palazzo Versace
Dubai, UAE

The facade of Palazzo Versace in Dubai.

Showcasing neoclassical architecture with resplendent Arabic influences, Versace’s luxury hotel sits on the Jaddaf waterfront, located just eight minutes away from the Burj Khalifa and Downtown Dubai.

Reminiscent of an Italian palace, the 16th-century-inspired grand structure features high ceilings, landscaped gardens, and delicately crafted Italian furnishings in 215 guest rooms and suites, and 169 residencies.

If you want to unwind, consider taking a dip in one of the three outdoor pools, after which you can head to an al fresco dining experience for unobstructed views of the Dubai Creek and the city’s beautiful skyline. Q’s Bar and Lounge, awarded the Best Live Music Bar in Dubai, is situated within this designer property…so you needn’t step out for a night of world-class entertainment, electrifying music, sumptuous bites, and old-world charm.

The Gala Ballroom at Palazzo Versace Dubai.

Fendi Private Suites
Rome, Italy

The façade of Fendi Private Suites Rome.

After shopping at the Fendi flagship boutique, head up to the Maison’s third floor for the Palazzo Fendi experience—housing seven private suites that overlook the Via dei Condotti and Piazza di Spagna.

A hop away from the Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain, the luxe destination is located in the heart of Rome, and is within walking distance from popular tourist attractions, including Piazza Navona, the Pantheon, and Vatican City.

Juxtaposing vintage Italian accents with contemporary sensibilities, the elegant spaces draw on the luxury house’s classic aesthetic. Displaying Karl Lagerfeld’s photographic oeuvre and other works from the Fendi archives, you also get a private tour of the flagship store just a few floors below. Makò cotton satin sheets and Fendi Casa bed linen promise a good night’s rest, while the windows invite ample natural light in the morning. For an unparalleled experience peppered with Lagerfeld memorabilia, book your stay at Fendi’s prestigious headquarters today.

An overview of one of the suites at the hotel.

Tortuga Bay Hotel at Puntacana Resort & Club,
Dominican Republic

The pool at Tortuga Bay Hotel Dominican Republic.

After getting whisked away from the airport in a chauffeur-driven ride, you arrive at the private beachfront property that offers endless views of crystal-clear waters and pristine white sands. An AAA Five Diamond-awarded hotel designed by couturier Oscar de la Renta, each of the 13 villas and 30 suites exemplify his Dominican heritage.

If your adventure-seeking spirit calls to be satiated, there’s no better place than Tortuga Bay. Practice your drive at the golf course along the shore, or enjoy a game of tennis at the Oscar de la Renta Tennis Center. You could also follow up shopping at the 1,000 sq ft Silvia Tcherassi Boutique with a rejuvenating massage at the Six Senses Spa. From Segway eco-tours to sunset cruises, make the most of the Caribbean waters during your stay. Last but not least, the Tortuga Bay Hotel has something for every palate, mood, and occasion, with its nine world-class eateries and bars.

The two-bedroom suite at Tortuga Bay Hotel Dominican Republic.

All images: The hotels’ websites