10 - Faena Hotel+Universe, Buenos Aires

London-Buenos Aires from £727rtn pp Compare all offers

Puerto Madero was built in the late 19th century in order to accommodate the large cargo ships docking in Buenos Aires. Today it is one of the trendiest quarters of the Argentinian capital and no other project reflects this gentrification better than the Faena Hotel + Universe. Starck, together with Alan Faena, the fashion designer, has created a tribute to modern opulence within a former granary built from imported Manchester brick. Some may scoff at the presence of the word universe in the hotel's name, but to be frank, it has facilities and a level of service to make other Starck hotels, indeed any other hotel, blush. As at the Palazzina Grassi, no reception in sight. Instead check-in is conducted in La Catedral, a long hall with red carpet on the lapacho floor and gold velvet curtains hanging against the brick walls, by an 'entertainment manager' who you may contact via the mobile phone given to you upon arrival. The rooms, which have either city or River Plate views, are a far cry from Starck's other work, being more mature, although again the base colour is white, with dashes of red coming from roses, carpets and other 'objets'. His etched mirror wardrobes find their place, as do floral detail plaids, gold leaf swan armchairs, clawed bathtubs and incredible all-marble bathrooms in the larger rooms. Two very different restaurants are to be found within the universe. El Mercato, the more laid back of the two, serves traditional Argentian fare in a rustic setting featuring antique objets and portraits with a communal table at its centre. El Bistro on the other hand is a breathtaking dining room with elegant white leather armchairs, Starck crystal chandeliers and unicorn hunting trophies surveying diners. Run by highly experienced chef Mariano Cid de la Paz (who trained in Ferran Adrià institutions), it proposes a sumptuous international menu with prices to match. The Celler and The Library Lounge are another two possibilities for wining and dining, the former boasting the largest wine collection in the country and a banquet table, the latter providing a space for relaxation with a glass of wine with its Chesterfield sofas, candelabras and grand piano creating a hunting lodge feel. As if this was not enough to keep guests entertained (and put a serious dent in their wallets), the magnificent pool and bar and El Cabaret, with its award winning show, are yet two more areas of entertainment available to guests. Needless to say a high end spa and gym, with hammam and specialist treatments for body and soul, finds a place at Faena while La Boutique has on sale a handpicked selection of luxury goods.

Palazzina Grassi, Venice