For travellers who believe a hotel stay should be as memorable as the destination itself, the world's most remarkable suites and villas deliver more than luxury: they offer a transformative experience. From the heights of a Tokyo skyscraper to the frescoed walls of a Florentine palazzo, these suites and villas embody the spirit of their settings with architecture, design and service that leave a lasting impression.
Sky Pool Villa
Atlantis The Royal, Dubai
@atlantistheroyal
Fancy a dip in the clouds? The Sky Pool Villa at Atlantis The Royal in Dubai makes a strong case. Perched high above the city, this sprawling suite is a vision of polished, clean-lined design with jaw-dropping views of the Palm Jumeirah. The piece de resistance is the private infinity pool, which juts from the terrace, while the interior blends ocean-inspired tones with open, light-flooded spaces. Inside, there's a marble-swathed bathroom with dual vanities and bespoke bath amenities, while out on the terrace, sunbeds, a swing chair and an outdoor dining table for six make it as much a living space as the suite itself. For extra decadence, the villa's butler will anticipate your every whim.
Aman Suite
Aman Tokyo
@aman_tokyo
Set at the top of Tokyo's Otemachi Tower, the Aman Suite is less a hotel room and more a temple of serenity above the thrumming neon capital. Step inside and the chaos of the city melts away, replaced by Japanese minimalism, soothing pale wood, grey stone and washi paper. Shoji screens and floor-to-ceiling windows frame the space, offering vistas that stretch to Shinjuku, the Imperial Palace gardens and, on clear days, all the way to Mount Fuji. There are generous living and dining areas, a king-size bed and a workspace that feels almost meditative. The bathroom, anchored by a deep traditional stone furo tub, channels the atmosphere of a private spa.
Oriental Suite
Mandarin Oriental Bangkok
@mo_bangkok
Craving your own White Lotus moment? Start at the Mandarin Oriental Bangkok, Thailand's original grande dame, dating back to 1876. The hotel's crown jewel is the Oriental Suite, which has hosted royalty, heads of state, Hollywood legends and a former Miss Universe. Perched atop the River Wing, this two-bedroom penthouse pairs timeless Thai refinery – think teak floors, antique furnishings and supple, silk kimonos – with up-to-the-minute specs, plus a wraparound terrace that dishes out mind-stilling views of the Chao Phraya River. (And yes, the suite made a star turn in season three of The White Lotus.)
The Post House
Post Ranch Inn, Big Sur
@postranchinn
Tucked away on the southern edge of Post Ranch Inn's wave-battered cliffside, the Post House is a secluded one-bedroom hideaway that delivers true seclusion. One for jet-set gourmets, this property within a property has a designer-equipped chef's kitchen, allowing for in-room tasting menus or late-night risottos, complete with a fridge already stocked with complimentary snacks and drinks. Out front, there's an outdoor tub for starlit soaking alongside an enormous patio, plus a snug patio TV room for rainy afternoons. The bathroom meanwhile is a haven of its own, with a deep tub, a rainforest shower, organic linens, planet-friendly products and nightly turndown service.
Four-Bedroom Private Wellbeing Ocean Residence
Joali Being, Maldives
@joalibeing
Hovering above the gin-clear Indian Ocean, the Four-Bedroom Private Wellbeing Ocean Residence at Joali Being is an unbeatable spot for the whole gang, as it's spacious enough to fit ten. Wrapped in soft sandstone tones, bamboo textures and breezy rattan finishes, the suite is effortlessly in tune with the environment, but there's plenty of glam to go around thanks to the gleaming infinity pool, marble-encased kitchen, sauna, treatment room and private gym, all with views that reach far out to sea. In keeping with the resort's wellness bent, there's also a 'wellbeing bar', meditative musical instruments and games designed to nudge you gently into equilibrium.
Presidential Suite at Palazzo del Nero
Four Seasons Firenze
@fsflorence
The Presidential Suite at Palazzo del Nero is a masterclass in Renaissance swagger. Housed in a painstakingly restored palazzo next to the Four Seasons, the decor would not look out of place in the Uffizi, with relief-appointed walls, velvet-heavy carpets, gilt-framed landscapes and a private terrace overlooking bottle-green parkland. The showstopper? A magnificent 19th-century coffered ceiling, beautifully adorned with hand-painted coats of arms and ornate allegorical figures.
Suite 7
Ellerman House, Cape Town
@ellermanhousehotel
Set within a grand Edwardian mansion in Cape Town's Bantry Bay, Suite 7 at Ellerman House is part private gallery, part coastal sanctuary. Once the personal art studio of Lady Ellerman (who was married to shipping magnate Sir John Ellerman) herself, this top-floor hideout is accessible only by its own private staircase. Inside, it's all quiet confidence and panache, with living and dining areas that give the space an apartment-like ease, while the glass balcony delivers swoon-worthy views of the Atlantic and the shoulder of Lion's Head. Throughout, original South African artworks pay homage to the building's heritage, balanced by thoughtful modern touches like underfloor heating and soft, warm lighting.
Virrey Suite
Casa San Agustin, Cartagena
@casasanagustin
Unlike many modern hotels, Casa San Agustin is not a purpose-built structure, rather a loving restoration of three adjacent colonial mansions. With only 31 rooms and suites, it has a rare intimacy, giving the feeling that you're less a guest and more a character in a centuries-old story that also comes with great linen and poolside service. The two-level Virrey Suite is the crown jewel, blending 17th-century charm with 21st-century comforts. High ceilings, old world accents and a sprawling living area create an elegant home away from home, while private terraces on both floors provide views of Cartagena's storied skyline. With an outdoor jacuzzi and refined details throughout, bed down here if you're after true cultural immersion.
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