Iconic buildings and magnificent environments, the perfect blend for extraordinary hotels inviting guests to experience the worlds of architects renowned for their sheer brilliance.
Recalling the silhouette of a manta ray, the central building of Saffire Freycinet is tucked away at the heart of a protected nature park in Tasmania. Built in 2010 in environmentally friendly mode by Morris Nunn and Associates, this luxury lodge offering 20 suites in villas with superb views of the sea and the Hazards mountains is one of the world’s most expensive hotels. www.saffire-freycinet.com.au
Design, art, high gastronomy, Caudalie spa, top-notch wines and spirits... The services proposed by the Hotel Marqués de Riscal Elciego are on a par with its architecture : a masterpiece signed Frank Gehry. Inaugurated in 2006, this 5-star hotel is in the City of Wine in the vineyard region of La Rioja in Spain. hotel-marquesderiscal.com
On Fogo Island off the shore of Newfoundland, architect Todd Saunders has designed a building rather like a futuristic ocean liner, inspired by the harsh contours of the surrounding landscape. A luxury retreat of rare solitude. www.fogoislandinn.ca
The maestro of Brazilian luxury, architect Isay Weinfeld has created a contemporary “hospitality complex” in the Uruguayan countryside of Punta Del Este, composed of raw materials and huge windows surveying outstanding natural scenery. The 5-star Fasano Las Piedras also offers a riding centre, a golf-course and a vast spa. www.laspiedrasfasano.com
Between Los Angeles and San Francisco, architect Mickey Muenning has signed his name to the stunning Post Ranch Inn in Big Sur. It offers both Ocean Rooms at the edge of the cliffs, almost entirely built of glass, and Tree Houses camouflaged by natural greenery. Here you will find neither televisions nor Wifi connections, and children are not accepted. A haven of peacefulness. www.postranchinn.com
