The most selfie-worthy hotels across the globe

Krabi, Thailand

With the pristine turquoise waters of the Andaman Sea as your backdrop and the stunning Thai pavilion greeting you at the entrance (lead photo), it would be hard to take a bad photo at Phulay Bay. Each villa here offers an exquisite escape from the day-to-day; and each has a private plunge pool, an outdoor bath and verandas with jaw-dropping views of the sea nearly everywhere you look. Outside the resort scenes resemble a jungle wilderness, while indoors, each residence is fitted out with modern amenities and sleek decor. The on-site spa offers a welcome oasis, encased by tropical jungle and complete with the calming babble from a nearby lagoon. You’ll be hard-pressed to leave such a paradisial villa, but if you do, spend time alongside the resort’s stunning infinity pool or set up under the sun on the hotel’s private beach.

Where to take the perfect snap: Throw on your best resort wear (or the plush robe that comes with your room) and lie out on your villa’s daybed with a tropical drink in hand, as ocean surf breaks on the limestone karsts in the sea, just beyond your veranda.

Sydney, Australia

Sure, outside there’s the Sydney Opera House and Bondi Beach, but inside the industrial heritage building that houses the Ovolo Woolloomooloo – a hotel ideal for contemporary design lovers and art aficionados – there is popping colour, chic wall art and fixtures that are all vying for the spotlight in your next Instagram post. Rooms are decorated with cool, dark blue-and-white walls, modern art and accents of lime green and red. The showstopping headboards of the beds vary in style per room and depict colourful paintings. In the lobby you’ll find bubblegum-pink-coloured lounge chairs; and lining the length of the interior, trees that are brimming with twinkle lights. Chandeliers with hanging industrial bulbs complete the cool, arty vibe.

Where to take the perfect snap: While it’s tempting to snap away in the fairy-light-lit lobby area or to pose in front of the multicoloured walls, the ‘Ultraroo’ apartment is where you’ll snag your best snaps. In this space, you’ll find your own round-shaped cocktail bar, a maroon and blue colour-blocked living room, and a neon fireplace. Show off your swanky, chic taste with an ultra-cool selfie in your ‘Ultraroo’ room.

Paris, France

If you’re visiting Paris, chances are you’ll carve out time in your itinerary to explore the globally celebrated art on display, by famous artists such as Eugène Delacroix, Leonardo da Vinci and Vincent van Gogh. The Louvre is unarguably the best place to see these works of art, but Hôtel Le Bellechasse also runs high on the list of the city’s top art destinations. This luxe hotel, with interiors by the fashion designer Christian Lacroix, delivers a cosy, sophisticated Parisian atmosphere. Each room of the hotel is swathed in wooden-panelled walls adjacent to printed wallpaper covered ones, which depict larger-than-life bright florals, stripes or gargantuan dragonflies and butterflies; even some of the ceilings are covered with decadent, stylish wallpaper. Velvet curtains in accent colours complement the deep red, orange, yellow and purple schemes. A stay at this hotel will make you feel as if you’re in a painting, but if that’s not quite enough style for you, you’re just steps away from the Musée d’Orsay, too.

Where to take the perfect snap: Pose like a proper Parisian while you enjoy a bite in the lavish breakfast room, dainty tea cup in hand and warm croissant perfectly placed. You’ll be as pretty as a picture, centre stage among the surrounding artwork.

Santorini, Greece

On the famous blue-and-white hillside of the Caldera, in Santorini, you’ll find a selfie sanctuary. Above Blue Suites is a cluster of individual whitewashed cliff-side suites, making up ‘a delightful hamlet’ of uniquely designed residences. Each suite is distinctly Grecian, kitted out with colourful glass mosaics and tiled showers in reds and blues; the nearly bare white walls are accented by pops of gold and silver furniture. Many of these simplistically stylish suites come fitted with a grand Jacuzzi tub and private patio, with Aegean Sea views that stretch for miles. A stay in the Villa property, though, is the height of luxury: along with the usual design palette that’s prominent throughout Above Blue Suites, you’ll have a private terrace with a plunge pool – which is just the spot for capturing those envious holiday pictures – and your very own sauna.

Where to take the perfect snap: Capture yourself, as the sun sets beyond the cerulean water, with flickering candles scattered about and lights twinkling in the pool, while you enjoy a fancy private dinner, perched nearly 400 metres (1,300 feet) above sea level. You’ll want to make frequent use of your selfie stick, to aid you in capturing as much of the backdrop as possible here.

Cava de’Tirreni, Italy

Have you ever wanted to be the ruler of your own castle? A stay at Hotel Scapolatiello might be as close as you get. Tucked away in the woodland-covered hills lies this ‘medieval hamlet’, a shining beacon of history, happily secluded from the bustling city life in Salerno nearby. The hotel has all of the wonder of its rustic past, with all of the modern amenities that savvy travellers require, plus, of course, a classically European design. There’s no shortage of unique and colourful floor tiles and romantic awnings complemented by trellises that are teeming with gorgeous greenery. Take a dip in the swimming pool surrounded by foliage, or go on a slow summer stroll through the on-site Garden Park, stopping to make faces at sculptures along the way. And as you’re in Italy, you simply must make time to dine al fresco: try the upscale Locanda 8.21, which serves up delicious Mediterranean fare.

Where to take the perfect snap: Escape into the hotel’s Garden Park, where you’ll be entirely surrounded by nature. Find your favourite hidden ‘relaxation area’ and set up on a park bench underneath a trellis of flowers.

Bretton Woods, New Hampshire, USA

No matter the season, the grandiose, luxurious charm of the Omni Mount Washington Resort draws in the holiday crowds; and its various activities throughout the seasons keep guests coming back for more. Enjoying more than 100 years running as a hotel and having been recognised as a National Historic Landmark, you can not only see evidence of its history, you can feel it. Upon crossing the threshold into the hotel’s lobby, you’re met with high ceilings, ornate chandeliers, white columns and crown moulding. It’s as if you’ve stepped back in time. Guest rooms celebrate earthy tones, with expertly matched floral accents and retro-style furniture covered in patterned fabrics making your stay here feel like you’re in your own chic country home. While inside the hotel it’s homely and cosy, the resort offers ample opportunity to indulge in outdoor activities, such as horseback riding, zip lining, tennis, hiking, and skiing (during the winter season). Wherever you look – or point your selfie stick – in this more than 1,000-acre resort, there are picture-perfect views galore.

Where to take the perfect snap: You’re bound to find amazing locations for taking selfies throughout the resort (zip lining selfie, anyone?), but you’re sure to make your Instagram followers jealous with a photo of you curled up in an armchair, alongside the fireplace in your room, wrapped in your duvet and enjoying a nice cuppa. Cosy!

If you find yourself coming down with a serious case of ‘photo envy’, search for your own selfie-haven hotel and add new stunning photography to your camera roll.