We have put together a list of hotels and resorts that offer travelers an urban oasis amongst bustling cities because let’s face it – even seasoned travelers need a break every once in a while. From quiet respites to relaxing offerings and amenities, these properties encompass all a guest could need when it comes to providing a peaceful sanctuary from the busy streets below.
Transformed Regent Hong Kong Offers a Serene Urban Sanctuary (pictured)
A rare urban sanctuary on Hong Kong’s Victoria Harbour, Regent Hong Kong debuted in March 2023 following a stunning two-year, top-to-bottom renovation at the hands of visionary designer Chi Wing Lo. The hotel has been reimagined for a new era for the brand as a storied and heritage luxury icon, building on its founding ambition to take modern luxury to new heights. Regent Hong Kong brings these new brand foundations to life through daring design, innovative restaurants and bars and immersive experiences underpinned by service that works behind the scenes to create an endless sense of calm to enable uplifting experiences. Guests can experience intimate grandeur with the hotel’s classic dining destinations, garnering Michelin Stars and Black Pearl Diamond recognition, or unwind over afternoon tea at The Lobby Lounge as the skyline transforms into a spellbinding kaleidoscope. Travelers can explore the bustling city with ease knowing that a serene oasis with luxurious amenities and rooms awaits them following.
An Iconic Oasis in the Heart of Singapore Steeped in 136-Years of History
One of the world’s most celebrated Grande Dame hotels, the 136-year-old Raffles Hotel Singapore is an urban sanctuary situated in the heart of its namesake city. Following its latest restoration, which completed in 2019, the historic hotel re-emerged as a refreshed social haven that delivers a compelling mix of culture, beauty and gentility with exquisite new suite categories, vibrant lifestyle experiences and exclusive dining concepts designed for international travelers and Singaporeans to meet, stay, shop, dine and celebrate. Whether dining and drinking at one of nine signature restaurants and bars, including restaurants by acclaimed celebrity Chefs Anne Sophie-Pic and Jereme Leung, or enjoying a Singapore Sling at its birthplace in the iconic Long Bar, or enjoying Afternoon Tea in the Grand Lobby, there is a culinary experience to suit all palates. Also emerging from the restoration is a revitalized Raffles Arcade, offering an inimitable shopping, dining and lifestyle experience set amidst the unrivaled elegance of Raffles Hotel Singapore’s glamorous colonial grandeur. Not to mention the Raffles Spa, a holistic sanctuary offering pampering spa experiences and renewed well-being, as well as other unique hideaways including the rooftop swimming pool, surrounded by lush tropical splendor and city views.
A Peaceful Marrakech Retreat at the Legendary La Mamounia
Located in the heart of the vibrant and bustling city of Marrakech and celebrating its centennial anniversary this year, the legendary La Mamounia offers guests a quiet escape from city life. After a morning of exploring the streets of Marrakech, visitors can spend the afternoon in one of the onsite hammams for the true Moroccan cultural spa experience or indulge in a large menu of treatments using natural local ingredients at The Spa at La Mamounia. A quick dip in the famed indoor pool before guests leisurely stroll through the onsite gardens lined with 700-year-old olive trees, rose bushes, and cacti to enjoy the peaceful surrounding flora of Marrakech. Before dinner, guests can grab a drink at Le Churchill Bar to experience the cozy, refined atmosphere while sipping on a carefully crafted cocktail or glass of champagne. With a variety of dining options to choose from, whether it be romantic Italian, traditional Moroccan or flavorful Asian cuisine, guests can enjoy a delicious dinner before indulging in renowned French pastry chef and Chocolatier Pierre Hermés ice cream and pastries for dessert. Return to the comfort of La Mamounia’s guest rooms and slip into the plush Garnier Thiebaut bathrobes before drifting to sleep under the luxurious Porthault bed linens.
City Hotels Offering a Restful Escape in London, Bangkok and Singapore
With sixteen global properties ranging from Asia to Europe to Australia and islands such as Turks and Caicos, the Maldives, and Fiji, COMO Hotels & Resorts has built a portfolio of unique properties that also share the same values. With city hotels including COMO Metropolitan London, COMO Metropolitan Bangkok and the soon-to-be opened COMO Metropolitan Singapore, the COMO brand offers visitors a restful escape from their prospective lively locations. Each of these city hotels boast the famous COMO Shambhala Urban Escape wellness facility, a peaceful, luxurious sanctuary to prioritize well-being after a day exploring the city. At COMO Metropolitan Bangkok, guests can indulge in a traditional Thai massage in one of the four onsite alcoves, cool off in the 25-meter outdoor lap pool, or partake in a morning yoga session to align the mind, body and spirit before a restful sleep in their Kathryn Kng-designed guest room filled with curated antiques, silk curtains and mosaic and limestone bathrooms. At COMO Metropolitan London, visitors have the option to experience one of the many spa treatments including acupuncture, couple’s massages and body therapy, get a workout in at the 24-hour fitness center or relax in the steam room before dinner in Belgravia or Piccadilly, both of which are walking distance from the property. All locations feature COMO Shambhala Cuisine, a health-focused menu made of pure ingredients to nourish the body with real, nutritious food. Opening with a soft launch in September, COMO Metropolitan Singapore will feature a rooftop pool for a leisurely dip and a nine thousand square foot wellness facility with a variety of fitness classes and spa treatments.
Unwind with Unparalleled Skyline Views at The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo
The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo is a haven of luxury located above the Tokyo skyline, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the bustling city below from its elevated position. The property boasts 245 elegant rooms and suites, featuring a sleek design that harmoniously blends the East with the West. Guests can unwind with an array of refreshments at the Lobby Lounge on the 45th floor or pamper themselves at the world-class spa with various luxurious treatments and therapies after a busy day of exploring the city. For guests seeking to escape into the world of books and imagination, The Club Lounge’s Library on the 53rd floor is the perfect private sanctuary with a curated collection of reading materials for guests to appreciate seated next to panoramic skyline views of the city or by the bar. Located within the hotel are exceptional dining options that cater to various palettes for those seeking a fine-dining experience to those craving a casual bite. Highlights include Azure 45, the hotel’s signature French restaurant and Hinokizaka, which serves traditional Japanese dishes.
Unwind and Escape at The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach
The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach seamlessly blends the best of both worlds, combining the amenities of a private residence with the exceptional services of a luxury resort. The resort's ocean-view studios and suites effortlessly exude traditional Hawaiian charm and modern sophistication, creating an unforgettable vacation experience for travelers looking to unwind in the natural settings. An oasis of relaxation above the bustling streets of Waikiki, the property has an incredible array of amenities on-site including a tranquil spa boasting Hawaii-inspired treatments, two infinity pools (the highest in Waikiki) overlooking the lush treetops of Fort Derussy and the Pacific Ocean and various dining concepts celebrating local flavors such as Dean & Deluca, La Vie, Quiora and an exclusive omakase-style experience by chef Keiji Nakazawa at Sushi Sho. Fully equipped gourmet kitchens with premium Miele appliances and Sub-Zero refrigerators complement the in-residence washers and dryers and deep soaking tubs—ideal for those who covet the familiar comforts of a home with the luxuries of a five-star resort.
The Perfect Walkable Destination with Hotel Clio, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Denver Cherry Creek
Nestled in Denver’s chic shopping district of Cherry Creek North with world-class shopping experiences, exquisite attractions and eateries steps away from the property, Hotel Clio is the perfect home base for millennial business travelers visiting Denver. In the heart of a walkable outdoor community and home to the city’s highest concentration of locally-owned stores – the hotel encourages guests to explore the neighborhood’s local charm through a number of partnerships. Wrapped into the cost of a stay, guests also receive access to bikes to explore the neighborhood, complimentary tickets to nearby attractions and exclusive perks at local businesses. Travelers can partake in the daily and weekly epicurean culinary moments offered on the property such as culinary and mixology classes that teach guests to craft Toro's specialty ceviche and mix their own refreshing Mercado Margarita. These intimate classes foster engaging connections and invite corporate travelers to indulge their tastes in a unique setting. Guests can also explore nearby attractions such as the art collection at Relévant Galleries or receive tickets to the lush Denver Botanic Gardens. Prioritizing wellness is easy with exclusive rates at local businesses such as The NOWfor rejuvenating massages, Hydrate IV Barfor IV therapy, or Pure Green for daily fresh juices.
Experience Quintessential West Hollywood at Kimpton La Peer
Anchored between the iconic streets of Santa Monica Boulevard and Melrose Avenue, Kimpton La Peer Hotel is centrally located in Los Angeles’ trendy neighborhood of West Hollywood. The hotel is positioned in the chic and walkable Design District boasting numerous acclaimed restaurants, bars and coffee shops. This summer, the hotel launched a brand new rooftop pickleball court alongside their rooftop bar offering sweeping views of the Hollywood Hills and Los Angeles skyline. The hotel is perfect for travelers looking to explore all that Los Angeles has to offer, just a short drive away from other notable landmarks. The design-forward hotel offers an upscale ambience reflecting the neighborhood’s harmony of art, architecture, and fashion. The pet-friendly property features a sparkling pool, courtyard bar and a fully equipped fitness center, more than 8,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor dining and lounge spaces. Conceived with an eye for design, the guest rooms and suites integrate style and warmth with hardwood floors and river rock showers.
A Luxury Oasis in the Heart of Jakarta’s Vibrant Golden Triangle
The St. Regis Jakarta takes guests on a journey through the soul of Indonesian culture – encompassing music, dance, art, culinary and more. Located within Jakarta’s vibrant Golden triangle district, the resort features breathtaking design and exquisite experiences. The 17-story hotel draws inspiration from Jakarta’s spirited energy and rich cultural traditions, including internationally renowned design firms, such as Champalimaud and Eddy Susanto. The hotel offers eight culinary concepts each grounded in a deep appreciation for local ingredients and exquisite preparation and boasts 254 elegantly appointed guest rooms and 28 signature suites.The hotel also offers 2,672 square meters of flexible function space, a spa and fitness center, along with The St. Regis brand’s signature rituals and bespoke service.
Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac - Quebec City, Canada
Steeped in history, Fairmont Le Château Frontenac is more than a hotel, it is an iconic castle that inspires visitors from all over the world. For more than a century, young and old, music and film stars, members of the royal families, heads of state and celebrities of all origins have enjoyed the beauty and French charm of the Château. In line with the Renaissance architecture of the hotel, the prestigious suites were designed with the ultimate care and craftsmanship, providing unparalleled grandeur, elegance and refinement.
The Château is the heart of Quebec City, located on the cliffs of Cap Diamant, and is the world’s most photographed hotel. A stay allows you to venture out into a European style walled city, built in the 1600, with hundreds of restaurants, museums, art galleries and boutiques. The hotel features world class dining in four restaurants, our full-service spa, a wellness center and over 700 passionate employees to take care of your every request. In any one of its 610 guestrooms and suites, including 10 Dream Suites, you will feel an elegant touch of historic Europe. Your experience at this landmark luxury hotel will guarantee you a memorable and inspiring stay in one of the most beautiful, and walkable, cities in the world.
