Thailand

In a career that spans almost 60 years, Japanese-Brazilian architect Ruy Ohtake has played a pivotal role in shaping the cityscape of his native Sao Paulo, counting more than 300 projects in the city alone. When Ohtake was handed the brief for Hotel Unique he faced one of his career’s greatest challenges: craft a design that will become a landmark.

Once the preserve of cloistered Penthouse Suites and their lucky guests, private plunge pools are becoming ubiquitous in hotels of all shapes and sizes. Despite this increasing presence they still represent the utmost in comfort, providing a decadent perch for relaxation and romance. With some of the world’s best hotels among our roster, we’ve donned our bathing suits to take a deep dive into seven of Kiwi Collection’s dreamiest private plunge pools.

Whether you’ve steadfastly maintained those resolutions or they’ve been consigned to the scrap heap, 2017 can still be the year to affect positive change. One of the most effective ways to kick start this process is a wellness vacation. Once considered niche, this industry has boomed over the last decade to encompass holistic spas, hiking getaways, weight management programs and even spiritual retreats. We take a look at 10 hotels that help guests cleanse and renew to work toward a new ending.

January has arrived with its associated resolutions. Right now, the only trip most of us are considering is a guilt trip directly to the nearest gym. However, a new year also provides an opportunity to reassess and improve one’s quality of life. One such avenue to explore is embarking on a slower pace of life—not unlike the takeaway from children’s story The Tortoise and the Hare. We take a look at seven hotels where a slower pace isn’t just encouraged, it’s impossible to avoid.

As the northern hemisphere trudges toward winter, thoughts invariably turn toward escapism. There are those who embrace the cold season and head for the ski slopes, and there are those who’d rather sweat it out on a sandy beach. For the latter category, 11 hotels for achieving warm winter getaway goals.