While international travel essentially came to a halt during the pandemic, that hasn’t stopped new and unique hotels from opening up over the past year. As some countries around the world open up for leisure travel again, our inner wanderlust couldn’t help but daydream about visiting these beautiful properties.
As we wait for international travel to resume again for Singapore (fingers-crossed for the end of the year), here’s a list of unique, dreamy hotels on our travel wishlist to keep on your radar.
Arctic Bath Hotel, Sweden
Floating on the Lule River in the scenic Swedish Lapland is Arctic Bath Hotel, an immersive hospitality experience like no other. If you’ve ever wanted to stay in a floating hotel, the Arctic Bath Hotel surely won’t disappoint. This hotel gets its name from its open-air ice bath plunge pool, where you can enjoy a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear water if you dare to take a dive.
Situated directly under the Northern Lights in the winter, you’ll get to experience the annual phenomenon up close and personal if you go during the right season which only occurs once a year. Visits throughout other seasons are equally gorgeous, with stunning sunsets in the summer and lush, golden foliage in the autumn.
Apart from taking in the view, the hotel offers fun activities such as husky sled tours and ice fishing to complement your stay.
Higashiyama Niseko Village at Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Hokkaido, Japan
“The experience at Niseko Village transforms with the seasons, using our breathtaking alpine setting to offer a connection to and exploration of nature,” says hotel manager Mahmoud Skaf of Niseko Village. In Niseko Village, hotel guests are encouraged to explore their connection with nature through the alpine resort’s vast scenery and nature attractions.
The luxury resort is one of Ritz-Carlton’s exclusive hotel projects, with a limited number of rooms available for booking to give each guest a more personalised experience amidst Niseko Village’s alpine setting. Located in the heart of Niseko Village, the resort makes use of its countryside setting to enhance the visitor experience.
Curated tours and attractions in the surrounding area are available, with snow rafting and reindeer sledding in the winter season, and hot-air-balloon rides and zip-lining during the summer season.
Niseko Village’s suites offer floor-to-ceiling views of Mount Yotei and an onsen (hot spring)-style bath, giving guests the full alpine experience. The hotel is also equipped with a spa, where you can unwind after a long day with a therapeutic massage, or a trip to the spa’s onsen.
The Fife Arms, Braemar, Scotland
Take a trip to the Scottish Highlands and stay in a hotel from the 19th century at The Fife Arms, fully restored to its former glory and housing a vast collection of old-world art. Each of its suites has a different theme, ranging from an artist studio- themed suite to royal suites inspired by Queen Victoria and the Duke of Fife. The hotel’s suites are specially curated depending on the theme you choose, with a different experience awaiting you in each room.
Interested in learning more about the hotel’s history? Go on an art tour and discover the significance behind the hotel’s art collection, or embark on an adventure through the Braemar highlands.
Guests can also kick back with a beer at the hotel’s bar, and feast your way through the hotel’s five dining establishments. There’s definitely no shortage of storytelling and activities during your visit to the historic Fife Arms.
Euphoria Retreat, Greece
Unlike most hotels, Euphoria Retreat prides itself on being a spa hotel with a focus on wellness and healing. The hotel’s specially designed retreat programmes take you on a holistic journey to understand yourself better while enjoying the tranquility of being in a serene resort. Located within the medieval ruins of Mystras, a UNESCO heritage site, you’ll be treated to stunning views of the foothills from Mount Taygetos of Peloponnese.
The highlight of the hotel is of course, the spa, which features an avant-garde designed sphere pool inspired by Byzantine architecture, as well as an impressive water well that spans four floors.
In line with its wellness theme, the hotel exclusively serves organic food, with a blend of regionally inspired contemporary Greek and Mediterranean dishes.
Hotel Metropol, Moscow, Russia
A historic hotel in the center of Moscow, Hotel Metropol holds the record as the largest hotel built before the Russian Revolution of 1917. With its vast history spanning over a century, Hotel Metropol has been restored as a luxury hotel that retains its 19th century grandeur.
Its dazzling dining halls are the centrepiece of the hotel, with domed stained-glass skylights inspired by Old Russia. The Metropol Restaurant has played host to fashion shows and concerts over the years, being one of Moscow’s most famous dining venues.
Partake in a Russian tea ceremony or admire the hotel’s impressive architecture, with new experiences being added every few months. It’s no wonder that the hotel was the setting of Amor Towles’ bestselling novel, A Gentleman in Moscow, with its rich history that continues to bedazzle.
