From city pads to magical getaways, discover the picture-perfect hotels where you'll happily post #nofilterneeded
Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai
When Atlantis, The Palm opened 10 years ago, Facebook was becoming the norm, Twitter was starting to fly and Apple had just released its second-generation iPhone. It would be just shy of two years before the first picture would be posted to Instagram. How the world has changed.
Atlantis was the first hotel on Palm Jumeirah, one of the world's largest artificial islands. Search #atlantispalm on Instagram and you'll find around 10,000 posts. Widen your search to #palmdubai and variants thereof and you're looking at around 100,000 images. None of this is a surprise. Ever since the archipelago was built, its distinctive palm tree shape, topped with a crescent, has adorned myriad luxury magazines, image libraries and desktops.
The five-star hotel sits on the apex. It's got a jaw-dropping 1,539 rooms over two wings, linked by the Royal Bridge Suite, with its sweeping panoramic views of Dubai, the ocean and, of course, the Palm. The Royal Bridge Suite offers a private elevator and personal chefs, and the soap found in the four baths is made from 14K gold. For those limited to taking pics of its exterior – the Royal Bridge is upwards of $30,000 per night – there are other choices. Around $6,000 a night gets you a three-storey underwater suite, while a standard deluxe is a more modest $500 per night. If the 23 restaurants and bars don't get you snapping like an influencer, the 1.4 miles of pristine beaches will.
The Savoy, London
Almost 120 years ago, Monet spent six months painting his famous panoramic vistas of the River Thames from his room at the Savoy. Today artists still flock to the London landmark for the same reason (the hotel even ran an 'Ultimate Monet Experience' this summer) but countless more are likely to be Instagramming their pics.
The Savoy is one of the most iconic hotels in the capital and not surprisingly has upwards of 73,000 followers on the social media network, with thousands using hashtags of their own. So what are guests posting? For a start, the famous sans-serif green neon sign that overlooks the 'drive on the right' approach, the Edwardian-flavoured whitewashed hallways, the signature Buccleuch Estate 28 days dry-aged beef wellington from in-house restaurant Simpson’s in the Strand, and, of course, the modern suites, which evoke 1920s elegance.
That the five-star hotel, which has been a crown jewel among the capital's hotels for well over a century, can still excite such creativity is testament to its ability to relish its past but embrace the future.
The Gleneagles Hotel, Perthshire, Scotland
An iconic country estate set beneath the beautiful Ochil Hills, The Gleneagles Hotel has established a reputation as a golfer’s paradise thanks to its three championship courses – one of which played host to the 40th Ryder Cup back in 2014.
There are endless Instagram worthy experiences to indulge in across this sprawling 850 acre luxury estate. Whether you choose to fly a Harris’ Hawk, ride horses, go off-roading, train gundogs or shoot game, this five star retreat offers a playground of outdoor adventures.
You’re certain to be the envy of all your followers when you’re sharing an exquisite dining experience at Scotland's only two-Michelin-starred restaurant across your social media platforms. Andrew Fairlie’s highly coveted modern bistro has only 50 seats so guests would be urged to request their tables well in advance.
Retiring to one of the 232 luxury bedrooms or 27 suites with suitably traditional and opulent décor is an equally sumptuous affair. Relax in style in a freestanding gold-finished bath or make yourself at home on the canopy-dressed four-poster bed.
Keemala, Phuket
Like baubles delicately suspended from branches in the lush Kamala rainforest, the seven tree pool houses among the Keemala's intimate village of getaways are a sight to behold.
Over two floors, each of these spacious villas comes complete with a private pool, upper-level master bedroom, and large lounge and dining area on the lower level. The interiors incorporate suspended furniture and cocoon-like beds and loungers. These stunning and much-photographed boltholes reflect perfectly the holistic programmes that this wellness wonderland offers.
With over 100,000 followers, the Keemala has certainly caught the imagination of Instagram users. It also showcases some of the 10,000 snaps adorned with the Keemala hashtag, mostly showing off the inspired architecture, outstanding view and, of course, gym-toned guests posing nonchalantly in their glistening pool oasis.Â
Charisma Suites, Santorini
A Grecian white and blue paradise set among the charming clifftop village of Oia on the tip of Santorini, the Charisma Suites is famed for offering enviable views of the sun setting over the volcanic islands of Palia and Nea Kameni, and Thirasia.
Thousands of social media users have fallen in love with the hotel's awe-inspiring shots, taken overlooking a still Aegean sea as the sun's last minutes of the day saturate the sky with hues of reds and oranges.
With nature providing a jaw-dropping blend of bright, natural colours on the outside, the interiors are superbly muted, with relaxing whites and creams, and light, natural woods. The newest addition, the Charisma Infinity Pool Suite, features a spacious bedroom with a king-size bed; open-plan sitting; a luxury bathroom; and a veranda with a sea view. The private veranda cries out to be Instagrammed but make sure not to drop your phone while relaxing in the exclusive infinity plunge pool overlooking the caldera.