From the sexiest bedrooms to the hottest bars and most beautiful pools, take a look at the world's leading hotels of 2014
- Published
Boutique holiday experts Mr & Mrs Smith have named their best hotels of 2014, which is as good excuse as any to peruse some truly breathtaking travel photos and to start honing our destination list for 2015.
Instead of hunching over our desks on a cloudy November morning, we can imagine we're drinking in the view of the South China Sea from our thatched beach villa at Six Senses Ninh Van Bay, Vietnam - aka the world's sexiest bedroom.
Or we can mentally spirit ourselves away to the infinity lagoon of the Monastero Santa Rosa near Naples, which has been crowned the world's most beautiful hotel pool.
From coastal chic in Brazil to eco luxury Down Under, the shortlist provides ample inspiration for next year's holiday wishlist. But some places are a little closer to home, with a hotel in London and a restaurant in the New Forest both making the cut.
Come take a look at the best and most beautiful hotel features of 2014, and get booking for your next getaway.
Best Dressed Hotel
Sexiest Bedroom in the World
Water Villa 5 at Six Senses Ninh Van Bay, Vietnam
"Private pool, sunset cruise, rustic chic, no doors, ladder into the sea, paradise found!"
Hottest Hotel Bar
"Serious atmosphere and custom-designed cocktail carts let guests mix their own drinks tableside – what’s not to love?"
Best Spa Hotel
House Spa at Dormy House, Cotswolds
"A relaxing, rejuvenating all round luxurious spa experience set against a beautiful Cotswolds backdrop."
The Eco Award
"100% solar power is pretty special. It does mean no internet, but that makes this the perfect retreat for anyone after a digital detox."
Best Budget Hotel
"A new-meets-old aesthetic and properly good value’ – Wayne Hemingway, designer."
Monastero Santa Rosa, Italy
"Monastero’s infinity pool has it all – peace, beauty, excitement and intrigue."
Best newcomer
"For its rooftop garden, basement bowling and fun attitude that attracts everyone, not just guests."
Best Hotel Restaurant
Hartnett, Holder & Co at Lime Wood, New Forest
"Lime Wood showcases England at its best, delivering refined quality on every level"
Best Smith Hotel 2014
Uxua Casa Hotel & Spa, Bahia, Brazil
"What could be more blissful than a beautiful beach hotel with stand-out personality, fantastic food, a come-to-me spa and a proper sense of place?"