December is a great time to take a few days off, allowing you to welcome the new year feeling relaxed and rejuvenated. Depending on what your plans are this year, we thought we could make a few design-led recommendations. It is always exciting to stay at stylish hotels around the world and we’ve picked four distinctive styles that we believe will appeal to any type of design lover. For the Indian Colonial

British Colonial décor in India has a long history. At its peak, the British Empire encompassed more than a quarter of the world meaning that various influences were travelling with British dignitaries, traders and sea-men in and out of India. A few key components include using dark woods like ebony, mahogany and teak for flooring and furniture alongside Indian-inspired floral motifs and prints. The Sujan Rajmahal Palace in Jaipur is one of the city's oldest palaces and serves as an oasis amidst the madness. You will find wrap-around verandahs shaded by century-old trees, bespoke wallpaper and vibrant diversity. NYE suggestion: Listen to traditional Rajasthani folk music under the stars with your loved ones as the last few hours of 2018 pass by.



For the Classical European

Classical European design has trademarks of elegant, opulent furnishings, baroque architecture and traditional silhouettes. We came across the Illyria House, named after Shakespeare’s make-believe island from Twelfth Night when trying to find a holiday destination that both represented this style and was in a warm, sunny location in December.

The hotel features highly romanticised design, colonial hospitality and old world charm that includes pre-dinner soirees for all guests. Pretoria is the melting pot of South Africa and a great stop off en route to Cape Town.

NYE suggestion: After a fun night spent bringing in 2019, focus on being pampered and treated to wellness therapies on the 1st of January in the hotel’s Secret Garden.



For the Trendsetter

Paris and design go hand in hand. The city is filled with almost every kind of décor style you can think of, including very glamorous and very trendy boutique hotels like Les Bain. Trendy design can be anything you want it to be, but the one thing it always is exciting. Think of unexpected silhouettes, bold colours and lots of texture. Les Bain is a 19th-century bathhouse converted into a hotel with a restaurant, bar, boutique and club - what could be trendier than that? There is no bad time to go to Paris and if you do, experience the rich history of Les Bain amongst Gainsbourienne carpets and Warhol-esque sofas . Each room comes with its own personality and charm with plenty of Instagrammable moments apart from the Eiffel Tower! NYE suggestion: Spend the 31st overlooking views of Paris from the Sacre Coeur Plaza in Montmartre.



For the Modern Contemporary

If clean lines, structured silhouettes and utilitarian design sound like music to your ears, then we have exactly the destination for you. Contemporary décor can be modern and sleek but also casual and eclectic - something Hotel Distrito Capital does so well.

Mexico City is becoming one of Central American’s most popular design destinations of the region. With incredible architecture and folk art interspersed with remnants of their colonial past, Mexico City is a place of parallels and juxtaposition. Spend NYE travelling around Mexico with stops in Tulum and Playa del Carmen, to get your beach fix.

NYE suggestion: Head over to the city’s main square, Zócalo, for fireworks, music and dancing.



Start the New Year off on a design high with a visit to one of these stunning hotels. Whether you’re looking to dance your way into 2019 or just for a memorable spot where you can relax, this list should have options that will work for everyone.

Happy New year!

