The Ultimate Retreat

What is it about hotel bedrooms that always leave you feeling pampered and refreshed? It’s certainly more than the room service and crisp white sheets. Pay attention to these 10 distinctive, yet sophisticated bedrooms to find out how they’ve perfected the formula for a plush and restful ambience.

Portrait of Tammy Strobel

What is it about hotel bedrooms that always leave you feeling pampered and refreshed? It’s certainly more than the room service and crisp white sheets. Pay attention to these 10 distinctive, yet sophisticated bedrooms to find out how they’ve perfected the formula for a plush and restful ambience. 

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HIDE AND SEEK

COMO POINT YAMU IN PHUKET, THAILAND

Practicality can be sexy, especially when it comes in the form of peekaboo dividers that allow you to play with patterns and silhouettes. Como Point Yamu features an architectural built-in partition, but intricately carved privacy screens or boho-chic macrame curtains will also work. Either way, they offer easy room demarcations, without compromising natural light.

www.comohotels.com/pointyamu.

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Aside from screens, consider using custom-built twoway shelving to partition the space in the bedroom.

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BLACK BEAUTY

THE THIEF IN OSLO, NORWAY

Dark is the way to go, if you want an elegant boudoir that is both restful and dramatic. Black, burgundy or deep blue on large surface areas such as walls and curtains create a sense of intimacy; balance this out by layering with accessories in muted shades of ecru, grey, or dusty pink. Shiny surfaces such as copper or bronze also pair well with this colour palette.

www.thethief.com.

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Prevent dark colours on the walls from overwhelming the space with metallic finishes and wooden textures. 

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SAND AND SEA

BLAKES HOTEL IN KENSINGTON, THE UK

This charming and rustic suite in Blakes Hotel shows that texture is king – it all comes down to how you pull off a white-on-white look. Instead of relying heavily on greenery, get a beach-inspired bedroom with other natural materials, such as mother-of-pearl surfaces, linen fabric, and weathered wooden furniture. The room’s gossamer nets and pile of pillows make up a cosy, ethereal ambience.

www.blakeshotels.com.

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A monochromatic palette requires careful planning and curation of furniture pieces. Start by piecing together a mood board with textures you desire in the space, so that you have a good idea of the end result. 

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FLOOR SPACE

COMO SHAMBALA ESTATE IN UBUD, INDONESIA

Resorts always fall back on the wood and white combination (and archetypal bedpost curtains), but what makes our island getaways truly special is the luxury of space and close proximity to nature. To achieve a similar look, keep it raw and airy: let your feet touch the hard wooden floors, get full-height windows for unobstructed views, and stick to a simple colour palette – yellow is especially vibrant and warm.

www.comohotels.com/comoshambhalaestate.

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While the resort look will always be popular with homeowners, you can opt for a modern interpretation by using furniture with clean lines and untreated finishing.

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MODERN NOSTALGIA

COMO THE TREASURY IN PERTH, AUSTRALIA

Some may think wainscoting is old-fashioned, but this classic feature can give your room an elegant feel. Embrace its old-world charm, but prevent things from looking dated by giving ornate embossing a miss and opting for clean lines instead. Similarly, choose sleek furniture in simple forms and luxurious finishes.

www.comohotels.com/thetreasury.

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Opt for thick wall panels to make the bedroom feel cosier and less formal. 

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A HEAD START

LES BAINS IN PARIS, FRANCE

The first thing you see when entering a bedroom is the bed, so set the mood right with an eye-catching feature there. Les Bains’ sleek marble headboard is the star of the room; it juxtaposes nicely with the unpolished concrete-look walls, and is complemented with minimalist furniture and soft furnishings in simple hues. The modern cornices that frame the room are a nice touch.

www.lesbains-paris.com.

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If you’re on a budget, consider prioritising a wellmade headboard. Uncommon materials, such as marble or granite, will anchor the look of the room without the need for excessive ornamentation. 

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WINDOW WORK

AMANGIRI IN UTAH, THE US

A stunning view is your best accessory, so face your bed in the right direction. A small room like this one benefits from cleverly designed furniture, such as this customised, space-saving, three-in-one bed, study and sofa. The sofa, in particular, is a clever addition – a luxurious hotel bedroom will never miss out a bedroom bench.

www.aman.com/resorts/amangiri.

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Blessed with a beautiful vista? Frame the scenery with pull-up blinds or ripplefold drapes (pictured), as they will not obstruct the view.

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DAPPER DESIGN

SIR SAVIGNY IN BERLIN, GERMANY

The medley of styles and textures in this gentlemen’s club-inspired bedroom allows for many focal points – there’s lots to see and touch. Refined velvet meets masculine leather, while gold-finished steel pops out against an encased piece of mixed media art. Additionally, the crystal chandelier and black subway tiles make for a superb visual pairing. So take a cue, and experiment with the unexpected.

www.sirsavignyhotel.com

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Achieve a decadent look with plush textures and shiny surfaces. Burnt velvets, used on cushions and drapes, add a sense of European charm and fantasy.

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COLOUR IT IN

EL FENN IN MARRAKECH, MOROCCO

Let your room mirror your strong personality with a vivid and statement-making hue on the walls. In contrast, be restrained with the rest of the decor. Go for sharp and clean lines, unfussy ornaments, and metallic features. Heavy curtains to block out the light (let the drapes puddle on the floor for dramatic effect) will provide you with welcome respite after a long day.

www.el-fenn.com.

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Go all out and cover the entire room with your favourite colour – just be sure to include smooth and natural textures to balance out the strong hue.

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GARDEN OF EDEN

L’OTEL IN SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE, MEXICO

Imbue your home with a romantic Jane Austen-esque atmosphere using illustrations and motifs of flora and fauna, whether with upholstery or wallcoverings. Vintage-style accessories, such as lamps and ottomans, help accentuate the dreamy mood, while plain white bedding – seen here in L’Otel’s garden-themed suite – ensures the room is not overdesigned. A rose-scented candle is the perfect finishing touch to the theme.

www.l-otelgroup.com.

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Choose a visually strong wallcovering before styling your bedroom using accent colours and elements from the design. Visit www.homeanddecor.com.sg for a list of wallcovering providers in town.

 PHOTOS AMAN RESORTS, COMO HOTELS & RESORTS, DESIGN HOTELS & MR & MRS SMITH.