Hotel Fasano in Sao Paolo is one of those rare luxury hotels whose roots lie deep in the city’s hospitality and gastronomic history. The hotel is owned by the Fasano family who have been running successful restaurants in the Sao Paolo for over 100 years. Designed in an Old World 1930s style with lots of dark wood and classic English furniture, it soothes and calms the senses rather than overwhelming them with ultra-modern design elements. Because of its location and discreet charm, it is a favorite among celebrities visiting Sao Paolo. Located in the chic Jardins district, it is within walking distance to high end designer boutiques, restaurants and nightclubs. The hotel’s restaurant, Fasano, consistently ends up on lists of the top restaurants in Latin America.

There are 81 rooms and 10 suites, all of which have lovely views over the Jardins district. Because of its small scale, the hotel feels very intimate and private. At the top of the building, there is a spa with spectacular views over the city, a heated pool, two ofuro baths and steam sauna, Hans Wegner lounge chairs and a fitness room. Rates for a double room start at $630.

Hotel Fasano
Rua Vittorio Fasano 88
Sao Paolo SP 01414 020
Brazil
+55 11 3896 4000
Email the hotel to inquire about a booking.

If you are going to be in Sao Paolo and want to stay in an intimate boutique hotel with lots of style, the Emiliano Hotel located in the upscale Jardins district, will not disappoint you. It is within walking distance to designer boutiques, excellent restaurants and nightclubs in the area. It is also close to the financial district on Ave Luis Carlos and Paulista.

The hotel’s overall design is very modern, with lots of wood and custom designed furniture. Because it isn’t a massive hotel with hundreds of rooms, service at the Emiliano is much more personal. There are only 38 rooms and 19 suites with amenities such as Wi-Fi, flat screen TVs, Japanese toilets, and Eames chairs. The spa on the 22nd floor provides you with stunning views of the city; you can also enjoy spa treatments and massages. The Emiliano restaurant serves contemporary Italian cuisine, plus there is a champagne and caviar bar serving rare Iranian caviar. And if you need a quick getaway, there is a helipad on the roof of the hotel. Rates for a double room start at $570.

Emiliano
Rua Oscar Freire, 384 Jardim America
Sao Paulo, Brazil
+55 11 3068 4393

If you are going to Sao Paolo and want to stay in a luxurious hotel with striking design features, check out Hotel Unique located in the upscale Jardins district of the city. It is close to the Ibirapuera Park, and to the financial district on Ave Luis Carlos and Paulista Avenue. Better yet, it’s only a 10-minute drive from the fabulous Iguatemi Shopping Mall. The hotel’s 85 rooms and 10 suites are decorated in a contemporary style with all the modern amenities. The rooftop swimming pool (with a bar) and rooftop SKYE restaurant with amazing views over the city are not to be missed. The hotel has a library, cyber cafe, spa and gym. Rates for a double room start at around $465.

Hotel Unique
Avenida Brigadeiro Luis Antonio
4700 – Jardim Paulista
São Paulo 01402-002
Brazil
+55 11 3055 4710
Email the hotel to inquire about a booking.

If you are going to Hvar in Croatia and want to stay in a beautiful boutique hotel right on the water, check out the Riva Hvar Yacht Harbour Hotel. The hotel is located in a renovated 19th century Italian villa only minutes from the historic center of Hvar.

Terrace of Riva Hvar in Croatia

The rooms are small but decorated with flair (huge black and white photos of movie stars like Audrey Hepburn adorn the walls); the suites are larger and the Riva marina suite in particular offers more space and privacy with a private terrace facing the yacht harbour. Rates for a double room start at around 100 EUR. September is a good time to go to Hvar because the busiest holiday season is over, but the weather is still reliably sunny and warm.

The best way to enjoy your stay at the hotel is to hang out at the BB Club, the Riva’s waterfront terrace which turns into a nightclub with DJs. There is also a Japanese restaurant on the premises serving fresh seafood dishes.

Riva Hvar Yacht Harbour Hotel
Riva bb, 21450 Hvar
Croatia
+385 217 50 100

Heading to Jakarta, Indonesia? Check out Hotel Alila, a chic boutique hotel located in Central Jakarta, in the heart of old Batavia. It overlooks the Presidential Palace, the National Museum (Monas) and is just 4 km from the city’s business district and the biggest Indonesian trade centre (and 45 minutes or 25 km from the Soekarno Hatta International airport). Design is contemporary minimalist using a lot of wood and rich fabrics.

Swimming pool of Hotel Alila in Jakarta

The hotel has 249 rooms, suites and apartments, some of which have sweeping views over Jakarta. All rooms have Wi-Fi, a flatscreen TV, iPod dock and large bathtubs. Rates for a double room start at around US$85.

The swimming pool is divine! It has wonderful views over the city and there’s a small bar next to it where you can get drinks at sunset. The hotel is ideal for business travelers, but also for large parties and weddings. Its restaurant, buzz, was nominated one of Indonesia’s best restaurants in 2009 by Indonesia Tatler & HSBC.

Hotel Alila
Jl. Pecenongan Kav 7-17
Jakarta 10120
Indonesia
+62 21 231 6008
Email the hotel to inquire about a booking.