Robb Report Hong Kong unveiled the results of its Best of the Best 2026 Travel, Experiences & Hospitality Edition at a highly anticipated awards celebration recognising transformative journeys and authentic adventures, showcasing a meticulous selection of destinations, properties, and innovations that redefine the boundaries of opulence.
Among the 11 categories honouring more than 180 winners, Dramatic Design recognises the visual and structural gems in the travel and hospitality space that set the tone from the moment of arrival, and celebrates the creativity of the visionaries who bring ideas off the page and shape them into reality. From theatrical opulence and vibrant maximalism to intentional minimalism and analogous colour palettes, these hotels bring the wow factor into the room.
Anantara Jewel Bagh Jaipur Hotel | Jaipur, India
Magnificent Palatial Splendour in Jaipur
If Jaipur is the city of palaces, then Anantara Jewel Bagh is its newest crown jewel—an address where grandeur and intimacy exist in perfect harmony. The approach alone sets the tone: a sweeping driveway lined with bougainvillea and marigolds, the silhouette of domes and minarets rising against the Rajasthani sky. Step inside, and you’re enveloped by a world of marble corridors, hand-painted frescos, and crystal chandeliers that scatter light like a thousand tiny stars. Every room is a celebration of artistry. Ornate arches frame tranquil views of lush gardens or sparkling courtyards, while interiors are layered with jewel-toned silks, carved wood, and intricate mosaic floors. Bathrooms evoke the indulgence of a royal retreat, with deep soaking tubs and fragrant amenities inspired by local botanicals. Here, the past is ever-present, but never overwhelming—modern touches, from intuitive lighting to discreet butler service, ensure comfort is always at hand.
Fairmont Mumbai | Mumbai, India
Luminous Art Deco Grandeur in Mumbai
Art Deco finds its most radiant echo at Fairmont Mumbai, a hotel that references the city’s architectural heyday and bathes guests in its exuberant glow. Alive with colour and movement, 446 handsomely appointed guest rooms and suites act as havens for rest and rejuvenation, all while evoking the spirit of 1920s Mumbai. Experience immersive wellness at Fairmont Spa & Longevity, driven by the pioneering BluXone space, designed to promote vitality and anti-ageing well-being.
Four Seasons Hotel Firenze | Florence, Italy
Renaissance Architectural Marvel in Florence
Florence’s Renaissance splendour finds itself elegantly preserved in Four Seasons Hotel Firenze, where history is not just admired, but lived. Housed within two historic palaces—Palazzo Della Gherardesca and Palazzo Del Nero—the hotel is a tapestry of frescoed ceilings, gilded mirrors, and corridors that seem to stretch endlessly beneath crystal chandeliers, with art pieces fine enough to rival any of the city’s galleries. Its historic suites, dramatic and ornate, feel less like hotel rooms and more like impeccably maintained museum exhibits.
Four Seasons Hotel Suzhou | Suzhou, China
Graceful Chinese Garden-Inspired Retreat in Suzhou
At Four Seasons Hotel Suzhou, the spirit of Suzhou’s legendary gardens—UNESCO-listed masterpieces of water, stone, and willow—finds new life in a modern retreat. Situated on the Jinji freshwater lake, the intentional dialogue between pathways, ponds, and pavilions provides profound immersion into the gentle poetry of Chinese garden design, thanks to the genius of Avalon Collective. Interiors layer rattan, silk, porcelain, wood, and marble to create a rich textural language.
Grand Hotel Principe di Piemonte | Viareggio, Italy
Timeless Tuscan Heritage Resort in Viareggio
Old-world glamour and remarkable history are deep in the bones of the Grand Hotel Principe di Piemonte, a Belle Époque stunner on the shores of the Tuscan Riviera. It first opened in 1922, and though the resort-hotel has since then benefitted from a complete head-to-toe refit in 2021, the effortless elegance that defines this address remains. Grand staircases, glittering chandeliers, and refined salons recall the golden days of Italian seaside society. Stefano Ricci lent his unique vision to the Presidential Suite.
Gundari Resort | Folegandros, Greece
Minimal, Mindful & Modern Sanctuary in Folegandros
Perched above the Aegean’s endless blue on the island of Folegandros, Gundari Resort is a masterful example of pared-back luxury and a celebration of simplicity, distilling Cycladic architecture into its purest form. Natural textures, exposed walls, and raw stone merge seamlessly with the wild landscape, creating a dialogue between nature and design that is both effortless and intentional, demonstrating a deep reverence for its surroundings. Spacious and low in profile, the 27 suites and villas come with private, solar-heated infinity pools.
Hotel The Mitsui Kyoto, a Luxury Collection Hotel & Spa | Kyoto, Japan
Japanese Artistry Meets Modern Aesthetics in Kyoto
If Kyoto is a city where eras intertwine, then Hotel The Mitsui Kyoto, a Luxury Collection Hotel & Spa holds the honour as the perfect host. Standing on a historic site that once housed an estate of the distinguished Mitsui family, the property overlooks Nijo Castle and blends contemporary elegance with centuries-old charm. Guided by the concepts of authenticity, mysticism, and artisanship, André Fu designed the 161 rooms and suites, balancing minimalist lines with natural wood and stone to create a modern interpretation of traditional Japanese aesthetics. Don’t miss the Thermal Spring onsen pool, fed by a natural hot spring.
Orient Express La Minerva | Italy
Ultimate New Look For Heritage
Rome’s 93-key Orient Express La Minerva is a conversion of a nine-floor palazzo built in 1620 for the Fonseca family. Now in a soft peach hue, the building faces the Pantheon and stands as a giant of historic and international design, with more than a hint of rail travel. Mexican-Parisian designer Hugo Toro, has, for instance, put luggage racks—similar to the ones found in old trains—in the bedroom wardrobes. Iconic Italian craftsmanship and avant-garde design meet in exhilarating harmony. It’s a treasure trove of highly lacquered wood, rich fabrics, and drawers lined in soft leather. Public areas have more than a hint of Rousseau, an abundance of modern greenery, and a slight hint of the Orient Express train.
Raffles Jaipur | Jaipur, India
Majestic Tribute to Rajasthani Heritage in Jaipur
Raffles Jaipur brings modern-day palace living to life in an homage to Rajasthan’s regal past. Architect Clive Gray, of Randolph Gray Design in Bangkok, reached for opulence and heritage to shape this 50-key property, taking inspiration from zenana women’s palace quarters. Under grand chandeliers and ornate arches, guests are swept into a world of colour and light echoing Mughal and Rajputana architecture, where recessed ceilings are hand-painted in peacock blue, and walls are lined with intricate jali latticework details, and courtyards fountains burble beneath the shade of trees.
Roki Collection Queenstown | Queenstown, New Zealand
Elevated Alpine Minimalism in Queenstown
Perched on the shore of Lake Wakatipu, Roki Collection Queenstown is made for the traveller who finds luxury in restraint, space, and the embrace of natural landscapes. Here, the Southern Alps backdrop is the true protagonist, and the architecture does little to compete—in a good way. Glass-walled suites allow the ever-shifting light and jagged mountain silhouettes to take centre stage. Inside, Auckland-based interior decorator Virginia Fisher’s delicate approach puts uncluttered lines, neutral tones, and natural fibres in the spotlight.
Rosewood Hong Kong | Hong Kong SAR
Residential-Style Waterfront Masterpiece in Hong Kong
Rosewood Hong Kong doesn’t just sit on the harbour—it commands it, rising with quiet confidence above the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront. Rather than mimic the city’s relentless energy, this hotel offers a sense of arrival that feels like coming home to a private residence—albeit one with soaring ceilings, curated art, and panoramic views that sweep from Victoria Peak to the South China Sea. Step past the understated entrance and you’re greeted by a series of intimate spaces: a library with shelves of rare volumes, salons adorned with contemporary sculpture, and a private garden terrace where the city’s hum fades into birdsong and breeze. Guest rooms are more like city apartments than traditional suites—generous living areas, bespoke furnishings, and walk-in wardrobes are paired with marble bathrooms and floor-to-ceiling windows that invite the outside in. Rosewood Hong Kong is a residential-style masterpiece, redefining luxury on the waterfront and setting a new standard for what a city hotel can be.
Royal Mansour Casablanca | Casablanca, Morocco
Historic Landmark Reborn in Casablanca
Some buildings witness history, and some buildings are history. Royal Mansour Casablanca is firmly in the latter camp—a storied address that has witnessed landmark events and hosted countless luminaries. Now, after a meticulous restoration, this icon has returned to the spotlight, balancing dazzle with an illustrious past. Dramatic and gilded, the Art Deco spirit of Casablanca’s golden era comes alive in intricate tilework, gleaming marble, and shimmering brass, matched with 21st-century comfort.
Shishi-Iwa House | Karuizawa, Japan
Minimalist Nature Retreat Collection in Japan
Shishi-Iwa House is less a hotel and more a living meditation on design, nature, and the art of slow living. Conceived by visionary architects Shigeru Ban and Ryue Nishizawa, this collection of intimate retreats is nestled among the forests of Karuizawa, where every curve and corridor is meant to frame the poetry of the landscape. There’s no grand lobby or bustling restaurant—just a gentle procession of timber walkways, glass walls, and sculptural roofs that seem to float above moss and pine. Each house is unique, yet all share an ethos of restraint. Guest rooms are pared back to the essentials—warm wood, soft light, and views that invite contemplation. Sliding doors open directly onto gardens or forest paths, encouraging guests to greet the day with a walk beneath ancient trees or a cup of tea on a private deck. The absence of clutter is intentional, creating space for quiet reflection and meaningful connection.
Six Senses Rome | Rome, Italy
Design-Driven Italian Decadence in Rome
Six Senses Rome is where the Eternal City’s ancient soul meets a sleek, contemporary vision. A restored 18th-century palazzo façade gives way to a world of travertine stone and cocciopesto lime plaster for a new kind of Roman decadence that respects its roots. Ruled by tactile natural materials and sensible muted palettes, thanks to Spanish architect Patricia Urquiola, the interiors present a space where past meets present, offering a home for uniquely commissioned artworks. Experience a Roman bathing circuit at the Six Senses Spa, a highlight of the property.
Six Senses Southern Dunes, The Red Sea | Umluj, Saudi Arabia
Striking Sustainable Design Destination in Saudi Arabia
Foster + Partners really took the brief of “no-expenses-spared desert oasis” to heart when it sketched the blueprint for Six Senses Southern Dunes, The Red Sea. Undulating roofs mimic the soft rise and fall of the surrounding environment, open-air structures intentionally frame the landscape, and the code of colours is drawn from all around—ochre, sand, and terracotta. Innovative design and architectural practices minimise reliance on artificial cooling systems and the construction materials used are lightweight to curb heat absorption. In the villas, décor takes notes from traditional Bedouin motifs.
The Hanok Heritage | South Korea
Exceptional Architectural Preservation in South Korea
To walk through The Hanok Heritage is to step into a living museum—one where centuries-old craftsmanship and contemporary vision exist in seamless dialogue. This remarkable project isn’t just a collection of restored hanok houses; it’s a celebration of Korea’s architectural soul, painstakingly preserved and thoughtfully reimagined for a new generation of travellers and locals alike. Each hanok, with its iconic tiled roof and wooden lattice doors, tells a story. From the gentle curve of the eaves to the tactile beauty of hand-hewn beams, every detail is a testament to the artistry and ingenuity of traditional Korean builders. Yet, The Hanok Heritage is no relic: radiant floor heating, modern bathrooms discreetly integrated into ancient frameworks, and curated art collections ensure comfort without compromise. Days here unfold in quiet rhythm. Guests might wake to the sound of birds in a sun-dappled courtyard, participate in a tea ceremony beneath exposed rafters, or join a calligraphy workshop as light filters through hanji paper screens. Evenings bring lantern-lit strolls and slow dinners, where local ingredients are transformed into contemporary Korean dishes served in communal dining halls.
The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto | Kyoto, Japan
Distinctive Japanese-Inspired Experience in Kyoto
Some hotels whisper their sense of place; The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto sings it. Set along the tranquil Kamogawa River, this retreat invites guests to slow down and truly see Kyoto—whether through the dappled light of a riverside garden, the delicate aroma of hinoki wood, or the quiet artistry of a tea ceremony at dusk. Here, centuries of tradition are not simply preserved, but woven into the rhythm of daily life. Rooms and suites are more than just accommodations—they’re immersive environments. Tatami mats, washi paper screens, and hand-painted fusuma doors set the stage for mornings spent gazing at the Higashiyama mountains, or evenings soaking in a deep stone tub while cherry blossoms drift past the window. Each detail, from the calligraphy in the corridors to the seasonal ikebana arrangements, is a tribute to Kyoto’s refined aesthetic. Dining offers its own kind of journey. Michelin-starred Japanese kaiseki, contemporary Italian cuisine, and riverside terraces for afternoon sweets—each meal is a celebration of both local bounty and global technique. The hotel’s cultural programming brings guests closer to Kyoto’s soul: lantern-making workshops, guided temple visits, and poetry readings under the stars.
Denniston
Outstanding Global Visionary Design & Architectural Excellence
Denniston is where architecture becomes theatre—each project a bold stage set for life’s grandest moments. Founded by the legendary Jean-Michel Gathy, the firm is celebrated for its ability to turn dreams into destination-defining realities. Denniston’s portfolio reads like a passport stamped with the world’s most iconic addresses. Vision is the firm’s signature. Every commission begins with a sweeping concept, often inspired by the land itself—be it a jungle-clad hillside, a windswept desert, or a coral-fringed lagoon. Structures are sculpted to embrace their surroundings, blurring the line between built and natural. The result is always immersive: a mountain resort that feels carved from rock, a waterfront palace that seems to float, a city hotel that pulses with urban energy yet offers unexpected moments of calm. Denniston’s interiors are equally daring. Spaces unfold in dramatic sequences—open-air courtyards give way to intimate salons, while infinity pools stretch toward endless horizons. Materials are chosen for their story as much as their look: reclaimed timber, hand-fired tiles, and stone quarried on site. Lighting is used not just for illumination, but to evoke mood and frame unforgettable views.
HBA (Hirsch Bedner Associates)
Leading Experiential Design & Architecture Authority
There are design firms, and then there’s HBA—a name that has become synonymous with the world’s most iconic hotels, resorts, and residences. Rather than imposing a single aesthetic, HBA approaches each project as a blank canvas, drawing inspiration from local culture, history, and landscape to craft spaces that feel both singular and deeply rooted in their setting. Step into any HBA-designed lobby or suite and you’ll sense the difference immediately. The firm’s work is defined by its ability to evoke emotion: a sense of awe as you cross a threshold, the comfort of a familiar texture beneath your hand, or the subtle drama of light and shadow at play across a sculpted wall. Every detail, from custom furnishings to curated art, is considered with the guest experience in mind. HBA’s portfolio is a global atlas of hospitality: soaring towers in Dubai, beachfront villas in the Maldives, historic palazzos in Europe, and urban sanctuaries in Shanghai and New York. Their spaces are as varied as their clients, yet each project shares a commitment to innovation, sustainability, and a seamless blend of function and beauty. The firm’s multidisciplinary teams—interior designers, architects, lighting specialists, and artisans—collaborate closely, ensuring that every environment tells a story. It’s not just about aesthetics; it’s about how a space makes you feel, how it supports the rituals of daily life, and how it inspires connection.
HKS
Groundbreaking Design & Architecture Specialist
At HKS, architecture is about shaping the future, and the firm’s portfolio is a testament to innovation on a grand scale, with projects that span continents and typologies, from soaring stadiums to serene healthcare campuses and transformative urban districts. In the hospitality space, HKS emerges as a leader in harmonious design that respects the landscape it inhabits, balancing nature and elegance in equal measure.
LW Design Group
Immersive Interior Design Innovator
To encounter a space crafted by LW Design Group is to step into a world where boundaries dissolve and stories unfold in three dimensions. This is not design for design’s sake—it’s a philosophy rooted in experience, atmosphere, and the subtle choreography of movement and mood. Each project begins with a question: How should a guest feel, and what memories should linger long after departure? LW’s approach is immersive from the outset. The team dives deep into context and culture, translating local narratives into tactile, layered environments. A restaurant might evoke the energy of a bustling souk, with hand-cut tiles and glowing lanterns; a hotel lobby could channel the serenity of a Zen garden, with water features and carefully placed stones. The result is always more than visual—it’s sensory, emotional, and often surprising. Innovation is at the heart of the group’s ethos. LW Design Group is known for experimenting with materials, lighting, and spatial flow, pushing the envelope without ever sacrificing comfort or function. Their portfolio spans continents and styles—luxury resorts in the Middle East, sleek urban towers in Asia, boutique hideaways in Europe—yet each project feels tailor-made, never formulaic.
SLD · Andrea Bonini
Dynamic Interior Design Collaboration
SLD · Andrea Bonini is where collaboration becomes a creative force—one that transforms ideas into living, breathing spaces. Their approach is anything but static. Each project is a dialogue, a give-and-take between designer and client, architecture and environment, tradition and innovation. The result? Interiors that feel alive, evolving, and unmistakably personal. Rather than imposing a singular vision, Steve Leung and Andrea Bonini listen first. The process often starts with a mood board, a handful of sketches, or a walk through the site—moments that spark conversation and ignite possibility. Materials are chosen not just for their beauty, but for their ability to tell a story: a slab of marble that recalls an Italian quarry, a custom brass fixture that catches the afternoon light just so, a textile pattern inspired by a family heirloom.
