8 Hotels Around the World With Inspo-Worthy Design

There are few things that leave me feeling more inspired than traveling. The culture, the food, the design — these are all integral to the memories I’ve made and the ones I continue to seek out. From the bush of South Africa to the high desert of Chile, here are eight hand-picked havens whose decor and experiences have shaped me for the better. Feeling incredibly grateful for my parents whose wanderlust has clearly worn off on me (and whose trips I will forever and unashamedly tack onto).

Tierra Atacama | San Pedro de Atacama, Chile

Set against the dramatic backdrop of Chile’s Atacama Desert, Tierra Atacama is a boutique eco-hotel with a minimalist aesthetic that draws inspiration from the region’s natural materials and textiles. Rooms feature a desert-modernist vibe with cowhide rugs, white mud walls, outdoor showers, and floor-to-ceiling windows that frame the Andean peaks. Everything is included in your stay, but it’s the antithesis of a typical all-inclusive resort. After a day of exploration, zen out in the plunge pool with a front-row seat of the Licancabur Volcano. Caution: The elevation is intense here (16,570 feet), to which I was completely unaware. This led to altitude sickness that’s deserving of its own story…

The Place | Florence, Italy

Located in Plaza di Santa Maria Novella in Florence, The Place (formerly J.K. Place) pays homage to traditional Tuscan sophistication with an eclectic, modern twist. The restored 15th century palazzo features just 20 rooms, each replete with a blend of brass, velvet, and subtle pops of color, giving way to a boutique experience that’s comforting and utterly unrepeatable. I had the pleasure of staying here solo for one night after studying abroad and I’ve never felt more pampered. 

Photo courtesy of Centurion Magazine

The Other Side | Harbour Island, Bahamas

Located just across the way from Harbour Island on Eleuthera, the aptly named Other Side is an unplugged eco-resort that champions laid-back luxury. Whitewashed cottages open directly onto secluded beaches with swaying hammocks and tented-yet-stylish communal areas that channel a carefree, barefoot vibe. I think much of its charm also comes from the owners’ dogs that roam the property, along with the picture-perfect swimming pool that juts out over the ocean. Shout out to Ted and Kara for throwing an absolutely epic wedding here. 

Ngala Safari Lodge | Timbavati, South Africa 

Ngala was my first introduction to South Africa, and I can confidently say it altered my perspective on design. Located on the border of Kruger National Park, this andBeyond lodge completely blurs the line between raw nature and refined respite. Thatched roofs, timber beams, and open-air showers channel the essence of the African bush, while four-poster beds and well-curated lounge spaces provide an intimate escape. This dialogue between untamed and cultivated is the heart of luxury. The occasional elephant will come dunk its trunk in the pool, while the reverberating roars of lions can be heard from afar.

Photo courtesy of The Telegraph

The Singular Patagonia | Puerto Natales, Chile 

I’ve long dreamt of going to Patagonia, and The Singular delivered on this dream flawlessly. The hotel is set within a sheep-processing plant that dates back to 1915, affording a uniquely industrial vibe with historic equipment lining its halls (it’s not as eerie as it sounds). Steel and glass frame jaw-dropping views of the fjord just outside, while curated details within lend a decidedly worn-in, Hemingway-esque vibe. The food was mind-blowing, and the adventures were among the most memorable I’ve ever experienced. I could write a novel on this, so let’s save it for another time. 

Hayfield Manor | County Cork, Ireland

Dating back to the 1800s, Hayfield Manor provides a window into Ireland's past with its brick, ivy-clad exterior, old-world antiques, original wainscoting, and canopy beds. Not only that, the hotel is set upon two acres of private gardens, offering a true movie-like setting to sip on your afternoon cuppa. I crashed my parents’ trip when we stayed here (along with a wedding), eager to see the city where the McCarthy lineage began — and I’ve been itching to get back since.

Yuzuya Ryokan | Kyoto, Japan

What’s a ryokan, you ask? By definition, it’s a traditional Japanese inn that features tatami-matted rooms and communal baths. It might not sound luxurious, but Yuzuya was one of the more unique and inspiring stays that offered a glimpse into customary Japanese living. Set within the heart of Kyoto, this intimate, nine-bedroom ryokan featured zen gardens, cedar baths, and delicious food (their Japanese breakfast isn’t for the faint of heart). The design is minimalist and clean, and while sleeping on a mat is objectively questionable, it was, to my surprise, remarkably comfortable. 

Las Ventanas al Paraiso | Cabo San Lucas, México

Colorful textiles, all-white furnishings, four-poster beds draped in linen, classic talavera tile…these are just a few details that make up the unforgettable getaway that is Las Ventanas. Set along the dramatic coastline of Los Cabos, this Rosewood hotel is one to be reckoned with when it comes to service and detail. The impeccable desert landscaping certainly adds to its allure, along with palm-thatch roofing that casts beautiful shadows throughout the property. Simply put, there’s no shortage of picture-perfect vignettes here.

Featured image courtesy of Condé Nast Traveler