3 Mega Hotels, 3 Ways To Get The Look

Furniture plays a key role in this lived-in atmosphere. Bespoke contemporary pieces sit comfortably alongside vintage Scandinavian antiques and charming folk-art finds, creating spaces that feel collected rather than decorated. Oversized sofas invite you to linger with a book, while ceramics, houseplants, well-stocked bookshelves and carefully chosen artwork reinforce the feeling that someone genuinely lives here. Communal spaces are equally inviting. The library and drawing room are filled with deep sofas and an elegant baby grand piano, while the light-filled conservatory and secluded courtyard are both peaceful corners for breakfast, reading or an evening drink surrounded by greenery.

Perhaps Ett Hem's greatest achievement is that nothing announces itself. The luxury lies in the quality of the materials, the generosity of the rooms and the effortless way everything works together. More than a decade after opening, it remains one of the most influential spaces in hospitality, continuing to inspire homeowners and designers alike.

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Few hotels capture the romance of Mediterranean living quite like the Marbella Club. Set between lush subtropical gardens and the sea on Spain's Golden Mile, the legendary retreat has long been synonymous with understated glamour. Originally founded by Prince Alfonso von Hohenlohe in the 1950s as a gathering place for artists, aristocrats and Hollywood stars, it has since evolved into one of Europe's most iconic hotels. Today, its interiors – thoughtfully reimagined by designer Marie-Caroline Willms – honour that rich history while feeling refreshingly relaxed and effortlessly contemporary.

Rather than relying on the expected blue-and-white coastal palette, the Marbella Club embraces warmer, earthier tones inspired by the Andalusian landscape. Ochres, olive greens, terracotta and soft corals sit alongside lush planting to create spaces that feel both sun-drenched and inviting. Richly patterned fabrics bring character throughout, while custom textiles, woven details and handcrafted finishes lend the interiors a distinctly layered feel. Elsewhere, Natural materials are central to the hotel's enduring appeal. Handmade terracotta floor tiles, lime-plastered walls, warm oak and walnut joinery, woven rattan and beautifully crafted ironwork celebrate traditional Andalusian craftsmanship without ever feeling overly rustic. Hand-painted ceiling beams and locally made ceramics add another layer of authenticity, giving each room the sense that it belongs to its surroundings.

Nowhere is this more evident than in the Clubhouse, the social heart of the hotel. Designed to feel more like an elegant private residence than a formal lounge, it is filled with intimate seating areas, gently curving banquettes, vintage artwork and shell-encrusted fireplaces that encourage guests to linger long after breakfast. The low ceilings, trellised details and abundance of natural textures create an atmosphere that feels wonderfully cocooning despite the bright Mediterranean sunshine outside. Rudi’s, the intimate cocktail bar, is an elegant nod to the resort's golden era, where richly layered fabrics, softly glowing lamps, vintage furnishings and an open fireplace create the feel of a glamorous private sitting room. 

Like the best hotels, Marbella Club succeeds because it never feels contrived. Every room balances elegance with ease, proving that luxury is often found in craftsmanship, comfort and a strong sense of place.

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Luxury hotels often rely on statement design and lavish finishes but Hôtel du Couvent in Nice takes a quieter approach. Set within a beautifully restored 17th-century convent in the heart of the Old Town, the hotel embraces what could best be described as 'silent luxury' – a philosophy that celebrates craftsmanship, simplicity and a deep respect for history. Reimagined by Parisian design studio Festen Architecture, the property feels restorative from the moment you step inside, proving that restraint can be every bit as impactful as opulence.

The interiors draw heavily on the building's monastic past, with a palette of warm neutrals, chalky limewashed walls, terracotta floors and richly stained oak creating spaces that feel calm and grounded. Rather than disguising the building's age, original stonework and architectural details are allowed to shine, while subtle shifts in tone and texture add depth. The guest rooms are deliberately pared back, encouraging guests to disconnect from the outside world. There are no televisions, with books and conversation taking their place, while custom bedspreads reference the way the convent's nuns once covered their beds completely during the day. Carefully sourced French and Italian antiques sit alongside bespoke contemporary furniture, striking a balance between old and new.

Bathrooms continue the theme, pairing elegant marble with vintage-inspired brassware to create spaces that don’t feel overtly decorative. Every material has been chosen to age well reinforcing the hotel's belief that luxury should be enduring rather than fleeting. Beyond the rooms, the architecture itself becomes part of the experience. Instead of a grand reception hall, guests move through a series of peaceful gravelled courtyards, cloisters and gardens that blur the boundaries between indoors and out. Underground, the Roman-inspired Thermae spa occupies the building's former catacombs, where vaulted stone ceilings and shafts of natural light create one of the most atmospheric wellness spaces in Europe. Small details further reinforce the hotel's sense of place. The former apothecary has been revived as a herbalist, producing bespoke teas and botanical treatments, while the bakery continues the convent's centuries-old tradition of baking fresh bread each morning.

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