The top 5 best-dressed hotels from Mr & Mrs Smith
updated the 6 October 2015 à 23:34
Mr & Mrs Smith bring us their selection of the top five Best Dressed hotels from the Smith Hotel Awards 2014, as voted by the public and judged by industry experts.
The travel junkies at Mr & Mrs Smith have made it their business to hand-pick the most inspiring boutique hotels around the world.
EL FENN, MARRAKECH
Once a derelict riad, the lovingly restored El Fenn took the gong for Best Dressed Hotel in the Smith Hotel Awards 2014. Inside, a glorious boho palette sets off the owners’ dazzling art collection – a curator’s treasure trove of artwork by David Shrigley, Bridget Riley, Frances Upritchard, Antony Gormley, Batoui S’Himi and William Kentridge. The sophisticated decor makes an equally eye-catching backdrop, with carved cedarwood, smooth tadelakt in gemstone hues and a sensually lit Moorish marble swimming pool.
Smith extra Return airport transfers; members staying three nights or more will receive a traditional hammam for two.
ALILA VILLAS ULUWATU, BALI
This sleek, stylish resort clings to the cliffside of Bali’s limestone Bukit Peninsula, a breathtaking setting for this inspired eco-friendly stay. Every corner of the resort is beautiful, but the bar is a true show-stopper: jutting out over the azure waters of the Indian Ocean, this dramatic construction of bamboo and reclaimed wood is as delicate as a bird’s nest.
Smith extra A 90-minute spa treatment for each guest.
ACE HOTEL LONDON SHOREDITCH, LONDON
With its instantly recognisable brand of retro stylings exported to London’s most fashionable postcode, the latest outpost of the Ace Hotel group had us at hello. The design details stem largely from local collaborations: staff wear John Smedley and Hancock, the bar is by interiors whizz Max Lamb and even the coin trays come from fash-pack darling Ally Capellino. Shoreditch hipsters need look no further for photobooths, vintage turntables and a hand-picked roster of music events in the basement venue – all delivered at wallet-friendly prices.
Smith extra A bottle of house wine at check-in.
POINT YAMU BY COMO, PHUKET
This effortlessly stylish Phuket retreat puts a fresh Italian spin on traditional Thai indulgence, thanks to Paola Navone’s sleek Med-inspired decor and flawless Italian fare served at bay-facing restaurant La Sirena. Bright oranges and sparkling blues liven up a palette of immaculate whites – a playful, locally inspired design blessed with sweeping views of Phang Nga Bay and the Andaman Sea.
Smith extra A drink each at Aqua Bar.
The scent of olive and lemon trees linger in the air at JK Place Capri, a Fellini film in hotel form. Far enough from the island’s hustle and bustle but still at the heart of the action, this shoreside hotel is a vision in dazzling white Italian luxury, overlooking a postcard-perfect stretch of Mediterranean waters. JKitchen, the hotel’s tempting restaurant, is a contemporary affair in black, white and grey, with inviting bucket chairs, sea-fresh fare and a panoramic terrace.
Smith extra For BlackSmiths and SilverSmiths: free transfers to and from Capri’s port and a scented candle. GoldSmiths receive an extra €50 credit to spend in the spa.
Mr & Mrs Smith is a boutique hotel curation website and booking service. Each hotel is personally visited and hand-picked for the collection. When booking through Mr & Mrs Smith, guests receive a free Smith extra on arrival at every hotel. To book visit www.mrandmrssmith.com.
