Four hotels we loved this year

Baba Nest rooftop bar at the Sri Panwa resort in northern Phuket.

1. Arlo Hotels, New York City

In a city packed with hotels it takes a lot to stand out. Arlo, which has two hotels in different locations in Manhattan, does just that. Effortlessly cool, they are full of clever touches like rooftop bars with excellent NYC views, a notice board where guests can leave their own handwritten tips for "what they've seen, what they loved", and a monthly schedule of events including fitness classes, art and craft sessions, beer tastings and a "transcendental poetry salon". See the full review of Arlo SoHo.
- Stephanie Holmes

2. Anshin Oyado Luxury Capsule, Tokyo

Accommodation in Tokyo can be pricey, so I decided to spend part of my trip at the Bali-themed Anshin Oyado Luxury Capsule hotel in the quiet suburb of Ogikubo. My capsule was kitted out with an extremely comfortable bed, aircon and a 40 inch TV. An extensive range of bathroom products are provided, as well as free soft drinks, tea, miso, massage chairs and curry for breakfast. The communal bathing is a bit of a culture shock, but you get used to it.
- Eli Orzessek

3. The Lodge at Kinloch, New Zealand

One of the country's most stunning luxury spots, the Lodge was designed with a Scottish castle in mind and perches on a hilltop looking down over Lake Taupo, with a challenge Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course stretched out at the castle's feet. While the golf course had me beat, the stunning food, contemporary art and Virginia Fisher-designed interiors restored the soul.
- Winston Aldworth

4. Sri Panwa, Phuket, Thailand

From the moment an open rickshaw arrived to carry us from check-in to our private villa, we knew we were in a pretty special place. Sri Panwa has a tropical-contemporary style, fabulous food and stunning sea views. It's a stylish haven from some of the rowdier tourist hordes in Thailand.
- Dan Ahwa