Ten Design-Led Hotels To Elevate Your Trip

We wholeheartedly believe that selecting the perfect place to rest your head elevates your travel experience. At bespoke travel planning platform nemo, they’ve meticulously scoured the globe for exceptional hotels to match their travellers to when planning their trips.

Whether you are looking to recharge after a day of exploring, or are seeking an all-the-trimmings bolthole to while away the hours, nemo’s hand-picked selection of hideaways offers it all. Take a look at their top ten design-led hotels to add to your 2022 nemo trip below.

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Located just steps from the shimmering Ionian Sea, this 1920’s disused wine factory has been lovingly restored by Athens-based design firm, K-Studio. The project was undertaken with the utmost respect for the buildings’ industrial heritage; think exposed concrete with sleek glass partitions that draw the eyes seaward.

Surrounded by watermelon fields and olive groves, and perched beside a stretch of undeveloped coastline on the north-western tip of the Peloponnese, Dexamenes resides in an area beloved by locals but is lesser-known to travellers, making it one of the Peloponnese’s best-kept secrets.

Providing you with a hipster base in the heart of Cape Town – this design-centric bolthole offers the perfect base when flying in, or out of your South African adventure. Celebrating South African art and design, Gorgeous George champions local designers. Expect quirky lounge areas and intriguing objects collected over the years to catch your eye at every corner. As the sun goes down, take to the rooftop to soak up the panoramic views of the city’s architectural history, cold don Pedro in hand from the hotel’s rooftop bar, Gigi – a design-lovers paradise in the heart of a city.

A much sought after hotel for design-driven travellers seeking an island-hopping adventure away from the crowds. Nestled in a serene setting on the low-key island of Paros, the pared-back, whitewashed building glistens under the Grecian sun. Pack linen garments and float your way through light-filled interiors, or recline on a sun lounger with a good book next to the shimmering cross-shaped pool – time to get your sun-worshipping on.

You’ll find this contemporary, adult-only retreat sat on the palm-fringed shores of Kabalana beach in the laidback town of Ahangama on Sri Lanka’s South Coast. Featuring clean lines and elegant mid-century furniture, each ocean-facing room is complemented by floor-to-ceiling windows that frame the turquoise ocean beyond – the perfect place to relax with an ice-cold drink after an idyllic day spent horizontally, listening to the palm trees and murmuring ocean swells.

The call of Mallorca’s crystal-clear waters entices a jet-setting crowd from Europe and beyond, and nestled in Santanyi, you’ll find another calling – Can Ferrereta. This 17th-century townhouse has undergone an elegant refurbishment – featuring neutral tones, curated artwork, and an emerald pool flanked by rustling olive trees – making for a cosmopolitan-style hideaway. Its amenities are perfect for those looking to flop and drop, but the hotel is perfectly situated for those keen to explore the island too. In our opinion, the spa is unparalleled in its design, with its glorious arched windows letting an abundance of light dance across its pool.

Adorning the mesmerising backdrop of undulating, pastel-hued stone dunes of the Agafay Desert, this nomadic desert camp is located just a couple of hours from the heart of the bustling medina of Marrakech, providing an oasis for those that venture to it. From the tents’ luxurious design, you wouldn’t know that Scarabeo relocates seasonally, so do venture back – whilst your tent might be the same, you will be rewarded with a different view. Owned by a photographer/designer duo, the aesthetic of these elegant tents is faultless, with the neutral tones from outside your canvas weaving their way into the interiors, making for a truly special glamping experience.

If you’re on the hunt for an under-the-radar stay in Jaipur, then this beautifully designed boutique hotel might just be the one for you. Bursts of decadent colour, rich textures, and scalloped arches are abundant at The Johri – a style which attracts a local creative crowd and jet-setters alike. Situated in one of Jaipur’s oldest bazaars, it’s the perfect haunt for exploring the city – but with soundproofed windows, you’ll return to a peaceful sanctuary after soaking up the delights Jaipur has to offer.

Modern and minimal, you’ll find Hoshinoya’s concrete cubes jutting out from the forest-carpeted mountainside. The serene, minimalist interiors of your ‘cabin’ have been expertly crafted to ensure they don’t detract from the awe-inspiring Mount Fuji, which dramatically awaits you outside your sliding doors. A humbling view that will be embedded in your memory forevermore.

Days here are sublime, with an emphasis placed on immersing yourself in nature – from sunrise canoeing on Lake Kawaguchi to horseback riding and stargazing walks. Dining here is an experience in itself; try your hand at woodland pizza making or enjoy an imaginative take on Japanese cuisine in the vaulted restaurant.

Forward-thinking Patina brings a sustainable slant to the sun-drenched Maldivian islands. Encapsulating tropical minimalism, and the free-flowing indoor-outdoor living that accompanies this design, Patina’s built spaces serve up soft, earthy tones, complimenting the astonishingly beautiful natural world outside, bringing a little slice of urban cool to the tropics. Whilst it’s pared-back in design, the fantastic service and activities on offer are anything but.

Serving up the epitome of barefoot luxury, Sussurro provides a stylish base for those venturing to the azure lagoons of Mozambique. The vernacular design of Sussorro’s 1,000 square-feet bungalows are thoughtfully dressed with furniture created onsite and feature artisanal pieces collected from sub-Saharan Africa, whilst the large windows keep you connected to the world outside. Picture-perfect days here can be spent chilling in your bungalow, before padding through to the pool for a refreshing dip. Why not end a safari experience on one of Sussurro’s poolside sun loungers?

Fancy being matched to one of these boltholes? Simply drop nemo a message on [email protected] to start your nemo journey.

*DISCLAIMER: Travel restrictions are changing daily, so please check the latest government advice before you book anything. Visit Gov.uk for more information.