Resort Awards 2025: the world’s 30 finest motels

Winner: Stockholm Stadshotell, Sweden
Commissioned by Queen Josefina to honour her deceased husband King Oscar I, the primary incarnation of this grand Nineteenth-century constructing was as a charitable dwelling for aged girls fallen on arduous occasions. There’s no need for charity now — after a four-year renovation, the Södermalm landmark has burst on to Stockhom’s resort scene in one in all its most fun openings in years.

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Meticulous care has been taken with the architectural bones of the 1875 authentic, restored and reimagined to wonderful impact. Chief amongst these is the previous chapel, its vaulted ceiling, in-set columns and tall arched home windows creating a sublime area wherein to benefit from the native, seasonal produce provided by Matsalen restaurant. Elsewhere, the resort’s designers have taken inspiration from the Arts and Crafts motion of the 1870s, with a give attention to handmade items sourced from Europe’s best artisanal makers — from the wood cupboards and bespoke linens within the bedrooms proper all the way down to the ceramic key fobs. No two of the 32 rooms and suites are alike, considering the quirks of the constructing’s structure, however all are regally serene locations that Queen Josefina herself can be comfortable to sleep in. From SEK 3,150 (£248).

Runner-up: Ran Baas, The Palace, India
This snow-white surprise in Patiala’s 18th-century royal palace advanced, Qila Mubarak, takes you again to the age of India’s final maharajas. Conservation architect Abha Narain Lambah reenvisioned these lodgings as Punjab’s first luxurious resort, enlisting native artisans to work their magic with inlaid marble, murals, multi-foil arches, silk and damask. Whether you’re floating within the courtyard pool, breakfasting within the artwork gallery, eating on wealthy mutton curries within the restaurant or watching the solar set over fortress domes, you gained’t know the place to put your eyes first. From INR 38,000 (£319), B&B.

Runner-up: Anna & Bel, US
Formerly an asylum for ‘indigent widows and single women’, this imposing 18th-century red-brick property has metamorphosed into one in all Philadelphia’s most fashionable boutique motels. Located in hip Fishtown, its design showcases historic parts just like the tall sash home windows, oak staircase and marble flooring, whereas respiration new life into the area with elegant furnishings and native art work. Chief among the many additions is a tree-lined outside courtyard with a heated pool and a darkly intimate cocktail lounge. From $300 (£223).

Eco retreat

Take a low-impact break at progressive motels that intention to have a constructive impact on the setting.