Where Luxury Has Moved On
How many words have been written about luxury? Yes, these are exceptional hotels, often five-star—but forget the gold taps and formality for formality’s sake. Today’s luxury can mean space, privacy and extraordinary service, but also simplicity, authenticity and the freedom to do things your own way. Breakfast at noon, a brilliant bed, someone remembering your name without making a performance of it. These are hotels where luxury is defined by how the experience feels, not by how much marble is in the lobby.
Viroth's Hotel, Siem Reap A mid-century-inspired boutique hotel where New Khmer Architecture, tropical gardens, and contemporary Cambodian design come together. Why DNA Hotels Loves It ● One of the finest contemporary interpretations of Cambodia's celebrated New Khmer Architecture movement. ● Elegant mid-century interiors that combine tropical openness, handcrafted details, and modern comfort. ● A peaceful…
read moreThe Balé Phnom Penh | Cambodia A tranquil riverside retreat where minimalist architecture, Khmer hospitality, and the timeless rhythm of the Mekong create a rare sense of calm. Why DNA Hotels Loves It ● A beautifully restrained all-suite retreat that combines contemporary minimalism with Southeast Asian serenity. ● Spacious 100 m² suites designed around light,…
read moreBabylonstoren | Franschhoek, South Africa Cape Dutch Heritage, Contemporary Design, and a Garden That Shapes Everything Why DNA Hotels Loves It ● One of the Cape Winelands’ best-preserved historic farms, where seventeenth- and eighteenth-century architecture meets quietly contemporary design. ● An extraordinary eight-acre kitchen garden that informs the food, landscape, daily rhythm, and identity of…
read moreLabotessa | Cape Town, South Africa Historic Elegance and Contemporary Living on Church Square Why DNA Hotels Loves It ● A beautifully restored seventeenth-century townhouse transformed into one of Cape Town's most intimate luxury hotels. ● Just seven apartment-style suites combining European refinement with contemporary South African art and craftsmanship. ● A prime location overlooking…
read moreTRUNK (HOTEL) Cat Street | Tokyo, Japan Tokyo's Social Boutique Hotel Where Design, Sustainability and Community Come Together Why DNA Hotels Loves It ● One of Tokyo's most influential boutique hotels, combining contemporary Japanese design with a genuine commitment to sustainability and local culture. ● Perfectly positioned between Shibuya and Harajuku, placing guests at the…
read moreAzumi Setoda | Onomichi, Ikuchijima | Japan Where the Japanese Ryokan Finds a Contemporary Soul Why DNA Hotels Loves It ● A beautifully restored 140-year-old merchant estate that respectfully reimagines the traditional ryokan for modern travellers. ● Architecture by Shiro Miura that balances Japanese craftsmanship, minimalist design, and an extraordinary sense of calm. ● A…
read moreSOWAKA | Kyoto, Japan A century-old teahouse transformed into an intimate retreat where Gion’s architecture, gardens, and rituals quietly endure Why DNA Hotels Loves It ● A beautifully restored former ryotei in Gion, where architect Shigenori Uoya preserves traditional Kyoto architecture without turning it into a historical reproduction. ● Just 23 individually designed rooms and…
read moreTaj Rishikesh Resort & Spa | Uttarakhand, India A Hillside Retreat Where Himalayan Landscapes, Rustic Minimalism, and Indian Wellness Come Together Why DNA Hotels Loves It ● A beautifully site-sensitive resort where contemporary architecture quietly complements the sacred landscape of the upper Ganges. ● Rustic minimalist interiors by eco.id and architecture rooted in the vernacular…
read moreKapari Natural Resort, Santorini, Greece A Restored Cycladic Cave Retreat Where Heritage, Silence, and the Caldera Take Centre Stage Why DNA Hotels Loves It ● A beautifully restored collection of 300-year-old cave dwellings perched on the caldera in Imerovigli. ● Just fourteen individually designed suites that preserve authentic Cycladic architecture while introducing discreet contemporary comforts.…
read moreSanto Pure Oia Suites & Villas, Santorini, Greece A Village-Style Retreat Where Cycladic Architecture Meets Quiet Luxury Why DNA Hotels Loves It ● A beautifully conceived adults-only retreat designed as a contemporary Cycladic village just moments from Oia. ● Spacious suites and villas centred around five infinity pools, combining understated design with exceptional privacy. ●…
read moreOlea All Suite Hotel, Zakynthos, Greece A Tropical-Modernist Retreat Where Water Shapes the Architecture Why DNA Hotels Loves It ● A striking hillside resort by Block722architects+, conceived as a fluid landscape of water, gardens, and tropical-modernist architecture. ● Ninety-three spacious suites arranged around a 4,000-square-metre lagoon pool, many with direct water access or private pools.…
read moreYours Truly DC, Washington, D.C. Brutalist Bones, Bohemian Soul Why DNA Hotels Loves It ● A striking reinvention of a 1971 Brutalist landmark that transforms concrete architecture into one of Washington's most creative hospitality spaces. ● A vibrant living-room concept where locals and travelers naturally mingle over coffee by day and cocktails by night. ●…
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