Ten design-forward utterly chic hotels on my bucket list
Save this for when you need trip inspiration!
As a luxury travel advisor, I spend an unhealthy (or maybe deeply healthy?) amount of time drooling over hotels. Scrolling through photos, zooming in on tile grout and outdoor lounge chairs—it’s part of the job. I plan trips for clients around the world, but I also stay at a lot of hotels (travel advising/trip design and travel writing is my full time job), so I’ve gotten pretty good at spotting the places that aren’t just stylish, but special. My bucket list is ballooning, but these ten hotels really stand out to me—they’re the ones I daydream about on a daily basis.
Save this list for when you need trip inspiration… Some are fancy, some are affordable and within reach, but all of them are utterly chic.
The Hotels
Hacienda San Antonio, Colima, Mexico
Hacienda San Antonio (starting at $700/night) is the sister property of one of my favorite hotels of all time, Cuixmala, where I got engaged! It’s nestled in the foothills of a live volcano—a luxurious private estate on a 5,000 acre nature reserve. Most of the food is grown on site at the ranch… think healthy veggie-forward dishes instead of heavier traditional Mexican fare. There are only 25 guest rooms, all designed with sweeping views. There’s an array of on-site activities, like hot air ballooning over the volcano and stunning hikes. This is high, high on my list for 2026.
Estelle Manor, Oxfordshire, England
Designed by Roman and Williams, Estelle Manor (starting at €700/night) is an unbelievable country house hotel and member’s club in a landmarked Oxfordshire estate. It’s surrounded by thousands of acres of gardens and parkland, making it the perfect city escape that I want to get lost in…
Abbaye des Vaux de Cernay, Cernay-la-Ville, France
Can you believe that Abbaye des Vaux de Cernay is only 45 minutes from Paris, and it starts at around $300/night? And look at all of that wallpaper… It’s set in a former Cistercian abbey from the 12th century, and the property offers so many activities… tennis, biking, yoga, a mini cinema on site, and an unbelievable spa. I hesitated to even put it on this list because the value is insane, but be warned—there’s no A/C here.
Villa Palladio, Jaipur, India
Another country estate… are you sensing a theme here?
put this on my radar, and I’ve been salivating over it ever since. Of course it has secret gardens and a well-stocked library. Starting at around $400/night.La Fantaisie, Paris, France
I had booked La Fantaisie last year but had to cancel last minute because of a health scare… and honestly losing out on staying here might have been more upsetting than my health scare itself? Insane location (Montmartre—the best), and has a full garden and rooftop bar, which isn’t standard in Paris. Look at the plus rooms! Starting at around €400/night.
Riad Rosemary, Marrakech, Morocco
There are so many gorgeous small details, from intricate mosaics to hand-painted sinks and stained glass windows… I know I’d leave feeling so recharged and inspired. Starting at around €270/night.
Palazzo Talìa, Rome, Italy
Luca Guadagnino’s (director of Call Me By Your Name and Challengers) design studio restored this 16th-century palazzo hotel, which was their first foray into hospitality, and not a single detail was spared. The studio even designed the glass elevator that overlooks the beautiful courtyard, and most of the furniture was custom made for the space. There are also ceiling frescoes, ancient Roman busts, and custom rugs throughout. Starting at around $550/night.
Hôtel du Couvent, Nice, France
At the tippity top of my bucket list for the south of France is Hôtel du Couvent. I wrote about this in my South of France guide, and I’m trying to convince a client to stay here for her 40th birthday, because it truly seems so special. Another historic 17th century convent that has been meticulously restored into a 88 rooms and suites, complete with (you guessed it) a garden, a one‑hectare farm, and Roman inspired baths in the spa. Starting at around $500/night.
Borgo Pignano, Volterra, Italy
I sent clients to Borgo Pignano last year and they loved it, and a good friend also stayed there and said it was insane. The rooms are simple in design, which really highlights the surrounding landscape—rolling Tuscan hills, painted sunsets, and verdant vineyards. The service is wonderful too… my clients were promptly upgraded to a crazy duplex room because they said they were tired from all of the travel! Of course they have cooking classes and art classes on site too. I don’t think I’d ever leave… Starting at $500/night.
The Twenty Two, London, England
I’ll admit I usually do everything I can to get my London hotels on points… but the Twenty Two is making me seriously reconsider this cost saving strategy. This Mayfair hotel actually has bright colors and energy! No stuffiness here! Starting at around $800/night.
And a bonus home rental…
Casa Lawa, Sant'Alfio CT, Italy
Casa Lawa sleeps eight and is the perfect home base in the hills of Sicily for exploration. Only 2,000EUR a night in September—250EUR a night per person! Honestly not bad???
Would be great for a family trip, a girl’s trip, a very fancy bachelorette party, or imagine a very chic elopement… Or if you can’t rally a crew, they also throw really insane retreats that sell out instantly.
P.S. — Interested in booking a trip with me? See how the process works!
Okay we are droooooling at this roundup. Indian design is just so magical.
Thank you for the mention! I’m dying to stay at Abbaye des Vaux de Cernay too!