Pure Destinations | Holiday Builder, Trips, Resorts

Architectural Gems of the Hotel World

Once upon a time, hotels were distinguished almost solely by how luxurious (or not) they were, who their clientele was or where they were located. But over the past few years hotel designers have decided to add a whole new element to the fun of selecting a hotel; by creating some of the strangest and most beautiful getaways in the world, each one uniquely different, each one guaranteed to tempt guests to stay simply through its amazing appearance alone. If you are planning a vacation in the near future and hope to spend it somewhere out of the ordinary, read on for Pure Destinations’ selection of the finest architectural gems of the hotel world.

Marina Bay Sands

Singapore’s Marina Bay Sands is a remarkable Integrated Resort complex situated on 20 hectares of land on Bay Avenue, overlooking the sparkling waters of the Marina. The complex boasts a 2,561-room hotel, as well as a convention and exhibition centre, a museum, mall, two theatres and seven restaurants. There is also an ice skating rink, the biggest atrium casino in the world and two floating Crystal Pavilions. But what makes this hotel even more remarkable is its cantilevered platform – the largest public platform of its kind in the world – on which you will find a 150sqm infinity pool and a 340m-long SkyPark which can hold 3,900 people. In terms of sheer scale and architectural ingenuity, Marina Bay Sands is guaranteed to wow and is undoubtedly one of the finest architectural accomplishments in the hotel world.

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Neemrana Fort Palace

Fancy a taste of the royal treatment? Book a room at the Neemrana Fort Palace, not far from Delhi. Built in the 15th century, this exquisitely restored heritage property is composed of 7 wings constructed in 12 tiers ascending a lush hillside. With its stunning hanging gardens and two pristine swimming pools, this hotel is guaranteed to wow; it also boasts the very first zipwires to be found in India; but it’s the stately historic architecture which is sure to steal your heart.

Yas Viceroy

The Yas Viceroy is an ultra-stylish luxury hotel in Abu Dhabi and is the premier resort on Yas Island. Although the hotel is famed for many aspects, such as its 11 superlative dining venues and lounges, its lavish spa and the fact that it overlooks the Yas Marina Formula 1™ Circuit, the hotel is rendered truly extraordinary by its architecture – namely, the breath-taking LED canopy which gives a spectacular colour display guaranteed to make you marvel.

 

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Hotel Marqués De Riscal

This one-of-a-kind 5 star hotel is for guests who really love their wine. Formerly a 19th century winery, the Hotel Marqués De Riscal is now a wine-themed getaway which encompasses a hotel, spa, viticulture museum and – of course – a wine shop. But that’s not the most amazing aspect of this building; the architecture is what makes your jaw drop and your breath catch in your throat. So strange and unique it almost looks like a gigantic optical illusion, the hotel has been designed to evoke the look and feel of Marqués De Riscal wine bottles and the Rioja region, and with that aim in mind the façade features gold, pink and silver ‘ribbons’ crafted out of titanium plates.

Burj Al Arab

The United Arab Emirates is home to another outstanding architectural jewel – none other than the 5 star Burj Al Arab. Designed and built to resemble a ship’s sail, the hotel’s unique design has made it the world’s most iconic getaway and a lofty representation of modern Dubai. Its structure also makes it the third tallest hotel in the world, not that it needed another accolade to add to its collection, while inside the wonder continues as you step into a cavernous atrium while being plied with traditional Arabian goodies – rose water, coffee and dates.

 

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Magic Mountain Hotel

If you feel like getting away from it all and booking a room in a luxury hotel somewhere out in the picturesque wilderness, then look no further than the Magic Mountain Hotel. Situated in Huilo Huilo nature reserve in Chile, this extraordinary hotel has been built to look like a volcano, with water cascading from the peak, and is accessed by a rather rustic wooden bridge. Surrounded by tall trees and lush greenery, this amazing getaway really is the ideal place to relax and reconnect with nature.