Checking into a boutique hotel always comes with luxury perks, but these breath-takingly beautiful suites take things up a notch (or five). From lakeside suites-on-stilts and hot tub hideaways to rooftop penthouses and top-of-the-tower castles, here we take a look inside some of the world’s most dazzling places to stay. The suite life starts this way…
Castello di Reschio, Umbria – Italy
The highest room, in the tallest tower…if this sounds like something from a fairytale, this rustic-meets-romantic fantasy is even better in reality. The Tower Suite at Castello di Reschio, a meticulously designed thousand-year-old castle on the Umbrian-Tuscan border, is a sumptuous two-bedroom suite spread over five floors with its own spectacular terrace. Soak up the panoramic views of rolling hills dotted with Andalusian horses and cypress trees from the tower-top roof garden, which comes with its own day beds and open-air tub. The Castello’s largest suite has been kitted out with custom-crafted furniture by ‘B.B. for Reschio’, including a fabulous four-poster bed, artisan dressing table and bar.
Eichardt’s Private Hotel, Queenstown – New Zealand
With the best spot on the shores of mountain-backed Lake Wakatipu, Eichardt’s Private Hotel is both sleekly designed and serenely placed. The 240 square-metre Penthouse Suite enjoys uninterrupted lake views to the snow-capped mountains beyond, and comes with a series of spacious living areas – from indoor and outdoor kitchens (featuring Gaggenau and Sub Zero appliances), two large bedrooms, marble bathrooms, a sauna and spa to Queenstown’s largest private terrace. Accessible via a private elevator, step into a champagne-fuelled world of personal chefs, round-the-clock butlers, and in-suite cocktails.
Les Sources de Cheverny, Cheverny – France
Tucked away in its own private estate, Les Sources de Cheverny is the quintessential French château. Inspired by the wooden cabins of the Loire Valley, Le Baron Perché (The Perched Baron Suite) sits elegantly on stilts overlooking the lake. The solid wood suite boasts panoramic views of the verdant grounds overflowing with vineyards and fragrant orchards, while the private Nordic bath will whet your appetite for the indulgent wellness offering at the on-site Caudalie spa.
Ksar Char-Bagh, Marrakech – Morocco
Framed by Romanesque arches with a mirage-like stretch of palm-lined pool leading to the main building, it’s easy to picture the ornate palace Ksar Char-Bagh once was. Every inch still oozes Ottoman opulence and Moorish style, a true oasis where fig, olive and citrus trees fill the air with heady scents. Take a cooling dip in the private swimming pool of The Large Harim Suite shaded by its own fragrant garden, or take things up a luxury level with The Tower Suite – think rooftop pool and panoramic palm grove views.
Punta Tragara, Capri – Italy
Clinging to the cliff face overlooking the sea and the renowned Faraglioni rock formation, Punta Tragara Hotel has an intriguing history. Designed by Le Corbusier as a private villa in the 1920s, the house was headquarters for the American Command during World War II and played host to the likes of Eisenhower and Churchill. Today, the star-studded treatment continues throughout this stylish retreat, most of all in the Penthouse with its magnificent terrace and circular bed from which to take in the sweeping views of the beautiful Marina Piccola Bay.
Nobu Hotel Ibiza Bay, Ibiza – Spain
With a pretty palette of coastal blues and whites to match its beachfront setting, this sashimi-serving icon makes the most of its prime position on the quieter side of the White Isle. Located on the top floor of Nobu Hotel Ibiza Bay, the 280 square-metre Penthouse Suite treats guests to spellbinding views of Talamanca Bay and Ibiza Town through floor-to-ceiling windows, with the look and feel of your own private seafront villa. The three-bedroom suite comes with two separate terraces for soaking up the Balearic sunshine, a luxurious living room, dining area, and kitchen – not to mention a lavish bathroom modelled in Persian marble, with a deep soaking tub, rain-fall shower and mother-of-pearl inlay. Penthouse guests benefit from the Nobu Luxury Ambassador Service, with an impressive array of bespoke experiences including in-suite hairstyling from the John Frieda Salon, and an on-call sushi chef for in-room dining.
Alex Lake Zurich, Zurich – Switzerland
On the Western Shore of Lake Zürich, between Zürich and Zug, is Alex Lake Zürich – a Bond-esque boutique hotel with a private marina and boat-loads of style. Life here revolves around the water, which the one, two, and three-bedroom penthouse suites very much make the most of with their wraparound terraces and floor-to-ceiling windows. The nautical palette creates the feeling of staying onboard a superyacht, a stylish springboard of king-size beds, show-stopping bathrooms with a walk-in rain shower, and fully-equipped kitchenette, from which to experience Swiss sophistication on the lake.
Casa Madrona Hotel & Spa, California – USA
Casa Madrona Hotel & Spa is a fresh-faced bay-side boutique near San Francisco with levels of luxury to rival the yachts moored in the harbour nearby. If you’re looking to book something with the ‘wow factor’, the over-the-top open-floor Alexandrite Suite is made for luxurious living. With over 5,000 square feet of relaxing and entertaining space, this sensational suite includes a private Jacuzzi off the master bedroom, a fire pit, a Samsung media wall, a gourmet kitchen with blue-jean granite countertops fit for a chef, private office and fitness centre all set against the backdrop of the picturesque harbour and Belvedere peninsula just across the bay.
Homewood, Bath – UK
The rolling hills of Somerset form the glorious scenery within which the period-drama worthy Georgian country house Homewood is set, just a few miles outside the World Heritage city of Bath. You’ll be spoilt for choice with not one, but two hot tub suites – take your pick between rustic cool with natural tones, stone walls and glass and mirrors at every turn or a bedroom with more creative tones and art deco elegance. Both hot tub suites have delightfully big bathrooms with a freestanding bath and separate monsoon rain shower.
Galleria Vik Milano, Milan – Italy
Reflecting the art and soul of Milan, Galleria VIK Milano is part hotel, part modern art gallery housed within Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Italy’s oldest active shopping centre. No two rooms are the same in this daringly designed urban retreat – each bearing the hallmark of a renowned artist, from Giuseppe Gonella and Pino Pinelli, to Felipe Cardena and Shinya Sakurai. Commanding views of two Milanese icons, the large living room of the Vik Presidential Suite overlooks the Galleria, while the king-size bedroom faces the city’s vast opera house, the Teatro alla Scala. The walk-in shower and freestanding bathtub in the ensuite Italian marble bathroom are a welcome haven for weary feet after browsing the city’s designer boutiques.