The best super luxe hotels in the world

Delve into the world’s most luxurious hotels where we explore the stunning interior design of some of the world’s hottest hotels…

como-laucala-island

The world of super luxe hotels transcends mere accommodation; it’s an immersive experience meticulously crafted to captivate every sense. While impeccable service and world-class amenities are a given, it’s the interior design that truly elevates these spaces into the real of the extraordinary. Here we’ll embark on a design journey through some of the globe’s most prestigious addresses.

It’s important to clarify that 7-star isn’t an official hotel rating system. While 5-star hotels represent the pinnacle of luxury, 7-star is a term used unofficially to describe hotels that surpass even the most exceptional 5-star experiences. These establishments redefine luxury with unparalleled service, world-class amenities, and most importantly, truly extraordinary interior design. They are destinations in themselves, pushing the boundaries of hospitality aesthetics to create unforgettable spaces that are as much a part of the experience as the impeccable service.

Burj Al Arab, Dubai

burj al arab profile exterior landscape

Image credit: Jumeirah Burj Al Arab

Soaring sail-like against the Dubai skyline, the Burj Al Arab’s interiors are as awe-inspiring as its architecture. Thin cascading atrium adorned with Italian mosaic and swirling, cloud-like formations sculpted from white plaster. Suites boast floor-to-ceiling windows framing the Arabian Gulf, and luxurious bathrooms feature whirlpools with panoramic views.

Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Abu Dhabi

abu dhabi royal suite living room new

Image credit: Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental

Fit for royalty (quite literally, it once hosted royalty!), The Emirates Palace is a monument to opulent Arabian design. Lavish use of gold leaf, intricate mosaics, and hand-woven carpets create a sense of grandeur. Public areas feature soaring ceilings adorned with traditional geometric patterns, while guest rooms offer a haven of plush comfort with rich fabrics and handcrafted furniture.

The Oberoi Udaivilas, Udaipur, India

Oberoi-Udaivilas-Udaipur-1

Image credit: Oberoi Hotels & Resorts

Transport yourself to a bygone era of Rajputana majesty at The Oberoi Udaivilas. Gleaming white marble offsets the vibrant colours of the traditional Rajasthani art. Courtyards echo with the murmur of water features, and intricately carved pillars lend a palatial ambiance. Suites are havens of handcrafted furniture with rich silks, offering a glimpse into a luxurious Indian past.

Signiel Seaoul, South Korea

signiel seoul south korea

Image credit: Lotte Hotels

For a taste of contemporary Korean luxury, look no further than the Signiel Seoul. The hotel’s interiors showcase a masterful play on light and shadow, with dramatic black marble walls offset by soft, diffused lighting. Guest rooms offer stunning views of the city skyline, while the use of sleek, modern furniture and curated artwork creates a sophisticated ambience.

Como Laucala Island, Fiji

laucala island resort

Image credit: COMO Laucala Island Resort

COMO Laucala Island Resort offers barefoot luxury personified. Rustic elegance reigns supreme, with thatched-roof villas nestled amidst lush greenery and boasting interiors that blue the lines between indoors and out. Natural materials like wood, stone, and woven fabrics create a sense of organic luxury, while expansive decks and private pools immerse guests in the island paradise.

Hotel President Wilson, Geneva

Image credit: Marriott Hotels

Experience European grandeur with a contemporary twist at Hotel President Wilson. The interiors exude a timeless elegance, featuring rich woof panelling, plush carpets and crystal chandeliers. Guest rooms offer breath-taking views of Lake Geneva and the surrounding mountains, while the use of soft, neutral tones creates a sense of serene and sophisticated atmosphere.

From Fijan paradises to European elegance, these establishments offer a unique perspective on luxury, ensuring an unforgettable stay for design enthusiasts and luxury seekers alike.

Fun fact: I’m usually the person friends rely on to organise trips, schedules, and group plans.

Workhighlights: Successfully coordinating events from planning through to delivery and seeing everything come together on the day.

Fun fact: I’m a keen cyclist and will happily bore people with copious amounts of cycling chat. My top cycling experience (so far) would have to be riding in the spectacular mountains of Crete.

Work highlights: Charles joined Forum Events in 2022. With a background in publishing, editorial media and events, Charles brings a wealth of experience to his role as Senior Production Manager. Having being involved with SPACE from the outset, he is excited to see the brand grow and develop.

Fun fact: People tell Sienna she gives off Bridget Jones vibes, and she loves to bake, always making sure there are shortbreads floating around the office

Work highlights: Sienna joined Forum Events & Media Group while studying Communications and Media, starting in the sales team where she managed and helped launch the first the PA Life Leading Venues of London SHOWCASE, where she built relationships with luxury venues across the capital. Drawn to the stories behind these spaces, she naturally transitioned into the editorial team, creating social media and editorial content. Upon graduating in June 2026, she is excited to be joining as Assistant Editor for Hotel Designs and SPACE.

Fun fact: When not working, Jess can usually be found tending to her kitchen garden in the Sussex countryside or foraging for herbs in the nearby woods. A keen grower, she recently studied a RHS Level 2 Diploma in the Principles of Horticulture during her spare time.

Work highlights: Jess joined SPACE magazine in 2022 and has since progressed from Assistant Editor to Editor. During this time, she has worked across many aspects of the publication – from shaping editorial strategy and overseeing operations to contributing to art direction and representing the brand on stage at industry events including Surface Design Show and WOW!house.

Alongside her role at SPACE, Jess has built a creative career spanning the arts, culture, design and travel sectors. Prior to joining the magazine, she spent more than a decade in the commercial art industry, in artist liaison, gallery management, and curating collections for the hospitality sector across hotels and cruise ships. During this time, she also worked on freelance projects as a writer, photographer, and creative content producer.
 
Jess studied photojournalism at London College of Communication and the Danish School of Media and Journalism and holds a first-class BA (Hons) in Culture, Criticism and Curation from Central Saint Martins.

Fun fact: Katy has spent years perfecting all kinds of accents and loves a good impersonation!

Work highlights: Katy has been with Hotel Designs since the beginning, way back in 2015 when Forum Events & Media Group acquired the brand.

During this time, she has fostered many meaningful relationships with clients from across the hospitality spectrum, as well as playing a pivotal role in the launch of The Brit List Awards, Hotel Designs MEET UPs, client-led roundtables and panel talks, brand and website redesigns, HD Wellness Sets, DESIGN POD podcast, Hotel Designs LIVE panel talk series, Accessible Design Talks and more. Katy is always on the lookout for the next opportunity to help grow the Hotel Designs brand even further.
 
Most recently Katy has stepped in to the role of Publisher at SPACE magazine, the printed bi-monthly publication focused on hotel design, architecture, and development.

Together these platforms offer a comprehensive 360-degree service encompassing digital media, print publishing, and live events – providing unparalleled value to advertisers, partners, and readers alike.