A pastel paradise in Ibiza, a converted convent in Tel Aviv and a mid-century motel in Malibu are among US editor Dan Howarth‘s pick of the best hotels from the past year, as we continue our review of 2018.
Punta Caliza, Mexico, by Estudio Macias Peredo
This intimate sanctuary on the remote Isla Holbox – devoid of cars and accessible solely by ferry – is based on the region’s ancient Mayan buildings.
Situated right by the Gulf of Mexico’s emerald waters, the hotel’s 12 rooms feature thatched roofs and chukum-covered walls, and are arranged around a shallow triangular pool.
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Royal Hotel, Denmark, by Space Copenhagen
Space Copenhagen re-introduced original features and furniture as part of a comprehensive refurbishment of Arne Jacobsen’s iconic Royal Hotel in the Danish capital.
The project involved the renovation of 259 guest rooms and suites, the lobby and meeting rooms, as well as the introduction of a new restaurant at the modernist hotel – originally designed for Scandinavian Airlines System (SAS) and opened in 1960.
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Tierra Chiloe, Chile, by Mobil Arquitectos
This boutique hotel perches atop a grassy hill on the main island of Chile’s Chiloe archipelago, with a glazed dining and lounge area offering ocean views, and a spa located underground.
The building is clad in wooden shingles in reference to historic wooden churches nearby, with its wings arranged at an obtuse angle and portions raised on stilts.
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Emiliano Hotel, Brazil, by Oppenheim Architecture and Studio Arthur Casas
Guests can look out over Rio de Janeiro’s famous Copacabana Beach while bathing in the rooftop swimming pool of this hotel, thanks to glazing along its edge.
To also make the most of ocean views from the rooms, while maintaining privacy, the team covered the front of the building with white shutters that are punctured with lozenge-shaped holes.
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The Surfrider, USA, by Matthew Goodwin
Architect and hotelier Matthew Goodwin aimed to capture the spirit of California at this coastal hotel, which was transformed from a run-down motor lodge on Malibu’s Pacific Coast Highway into a beach house.
The team overhauled the tired interiors to create light, fresh spaces across its 18 rooms and two suites, library, guest-only rooftop bar, and restaurant.
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Paradiso Ibiza Art Hotel, Spain, by Ilmiodesign
Guests stay in candy-coloured rooms at this art-deco-influenced hotel on Ibiza’s northwest coast, while artists in residence are offered a transparent suite in the lobby.
The Paradiso Ibiza Art Hotel’s mission is to offer an alternative to other accommodation options on the party island, by hosting a comprehensive arts programme for guests and other tourists to enjoy during their stay.
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Jaffa Hotel, Israel, by John Pawson
British designer John Pawson worked with local architect and conservationist Ramy Gill on this overhaul of an ornate convent and hospital, into a hotel in Tel Aviv’s historic Jaffa neighbourhood.
The variety of architectural styles – including Arabic and neo-Roman – are mixed with contemporary elements across the 120 hotel rooms and suites, and an outdoor pool surrounded by arched colonnades and gardens. A new six-storey wing also accommodates 32 private residences.
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The Retreat at Blue Lagoon, Iceland, by Basalt Architects
Suites nestled into lava formations face onto the turquoise water of Iceland’s famous tourist attraction, at this new hotel that joins the spa and other facilities on-site.
The new building represents the culmination of founder Grímur Sæmundsen’s vision for the Blue Lagoon as an epicentre for health and wellbeing, and is designed to take advantage of the natural beauty while minimising impact on its surroundings.
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Olea Hotel, Greece, by Block722 Architects
Shreds of rattan, chutes of bamboo and offcuts of wood feature throughout this hotel, to blend in with the Grecian landscape on the island of Zante.
The rural site includes a spa, three restaurants and 93 guest suites, all of which feature earthy tones and are positioned around a huge “lake-like” pool.
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One Room Hotel, Belgium, by DMVA
This might be Antwerp’s smallest hotel, packed into a three-storey, 17th-century house with a facade just 2.4 metres wide.
One Room Hotel is designed as a cross between a holiday home for its owners, and a tiny luxury hotel with just one double bedroom and internal spaces connected by a “promenade” of staircases.
Find out more about One Room Hotel ›
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