8 Upscale Hotels That Satisfy Your Wonderlust

Belvedere Hotel, Mykonos, Greece
Inside the stone-walled gates of the Hotel Belvedere, there’s a collection of seven authentic white buildings overlooking the town and Aegean Sea. The hotel’s 43 rooms and suites with scenic terraces reflect the surrounding sea and traditional white Mykonian architecture. Additionally, there are two restaurants, two bars, a Six Senses spa, a fitness centre and it’s just a five-minute walk from the lively town centre.

Gran Hotel Miramar, Malaga, Spain
Previously known as the Hotel Principe de Asturias, the Gran Hotel Miramar’s marvelous views over the Bay of Malaga have been enjoyed by European nobility, noteworthy people in the art world and Spanish high society. Under the direction of architect F. Guerrero Strachan, the property took five years to complete. This historic building, with 200 rooms and suites, has five gastronomic restaurants and is surrounded by 9,000 square metres of lawns and gardens. What’s more, there are outdoor pools and a spa.

Hotel Emiliano, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Situated on Copacabana Beach, Hotel Emiliano is bang in the heart of Rio de Janeiro, making it a beach resort as well as a city hotel. With its “cobogó,” a Brazilian architectural surface, the property’s design is a mixture of modern and traditional 1950s. The 90 guest rooms and suites offer views of the sea and contemporary décor, with warm wood flooring and dashes of marble and gold. As well as The Emiliano Restaurant, there’s a casual rooftop restaurant, while amenities include the spa and gym and an infinity pool on the roof deck with a panoramic view.

Hotel Figueroa, Los Angeles, California
If you’re the artistic type looking for a hotel in the heart of Los Angeles, Hotel Figueroa might be just up your alley. Set in a Spanish Colonial design, the blend of modern comfort and convenience in the hotel’s 268 rooms and suites make it feel like a home away from home. With Hotel Figueroa’s Spanish roots in mind, the main restaurant offers Basque cuisine with French and Spanish flavours.

Malibu Beach Inn, Malibu, California
Since its nestled along “Billionaire’s Beach,” The Malibu Beach Inn allows you access to several swimming and bathing spots along the strip. Lovers of the sea can also revel in the fact the hotel’s 47 guestrooms and suites all have balconies with ocean views. They can also eat at the Carbon Beach club or have a treatment at the oceanfront spa. While it’s a discreet seaside setting, the hotel is not far from Malibu Pier or Santa Monica.

The Ashbee, Taormina, Italy
The Ashbee is housed in a 20th-century Sicilian villa, previously owned by renowned English architect Charles Robert Ashbee. It has high ceilings and heaps of marble, but the real highlight is the surrounding gardens with classic Sicilian lemon, tangerine and grapefruit trees. As it is situated in the middle of Taormina, it’s easy to visit the city’s boutiques, restaurants and various cultural sites and theatres. A blend of colours and styles, the 25 guest rooms and suites come with views of the Sicilian coast, Ionian Sea and Calabria. These vistas can also be enjoyed on the rooftop Terrace Bar, where breakfast is served. The smart restaurant, St George, offers classic southern Italian cuisine.

Villa Cora, Florence, Italy
Since it harks back to 19th-century opulence, Villa Cora will have you feeling like a Florentine aristocrat. Set inside a centuries-old park overlooking the Boboli gardens, the converted noble estate has 46 rooms and suites. Interestingly, each floor reflects a particular style, whether it’s Empress Eugénie and her passion for roses or America in the 1950s. Seasonal specialties are served in the Moorish room or at Le Bistrot, while the Bellevue roof terrace dishes up up views and sunsets. Among other amenities, there’s a heated pool and the Benè Spa.