Hilton Maldives Resort & Spa Five metres below the water’s surface, Ithaa has curved transparent acrylic walls and roof, giving diners 360-degree views of coral reef and sea life.

InterContinental Hong Kong Enter Yü by an undulating bubble wall that reveals huge tanks of biologically filtered ocean water holding live seafood from local waters.

Royal Towers at Atlantis, Bahamas A giant lower-lobby all-day restaurant has a curving wall that displays what is reportedly the world’s largest restaurant aquarium.

Four Seasons Resort Hualalai at Historic Ka’ Upulehu, Hawaii Situated on the edge of the beach, Pahu i`a has a 3400-litre aquarium with 15 fish, including blue damsel and zebra moray eel.

Burj Al Arab, Dubai The 130-seat Al Mahara, where the bestseller is seared kingfish with garlic risotto and foie gras, has ceiling-high walls displaying fish tanks, home to 52 different species.

San Sebastián, Spain Villa Soro was built in 1898 by Don Ramon Londaiz as an engagement present for his daughter Maria; the 25-room hotel is now owned and run by a descendant, Pablo Carrington Londaiz. Guests love the elegant, polished floors and soft colours, as well as the garden views of room 12. Another plus: It’s only a 12-minute walk from the Michelin three-star Restaurante Arzak.

Bangkok, Thailand The 220-room Sukhothai is a calm oasis in this frenetic city. Designer Sakul Intakul’s three-tier floating lotus and tuberose floral display in the lobby sets the tone. Many guests opt for garden suites, overlooking open courtyards with pools; all rooms have soft colours, stunning silks and woodwork. There is a spa, but you are only two minutes from Lumphini Park, a popular spot for jogging. GM is George Benney.

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates Boost your morale, and try the month-old Kempinski baby, at Emirates Palace, a kilometre-long wonder with 114 exterior domes that change colour every few minutes. Inside, there are 1,000 crystal chandeliers, hectares of real gold leaf and 394 honey-coloured bedrooms with 125-centimetre plasma screens. Room 3406, which overlooks the 1.3 kilometre-long sandy beach, is equidistant to the lobby, one of the two gyms, two spas and two pool complexes. GM is Willy Optekamp.

Seattle, Washington The Fairmont Olympic Hotel is a 10-minute walk to Pike Public Market and only one block away from what is, arguably, the most stunning modern architecture in the United States: Rem Koolhaas’ gravity-defying Seattle Central Library. At the hotel, the 60-series junior suites on the upper floors have stunning views across Elliott Bay to Bainbridge Island. GM is Dennis Clark.

Mackenzie Sound, B.C. Nimmo Bay, which operates May through October, was set up in 1980 by the Murray family of Port McNeill. There are nine chalets, each with two bedrooms (choose oceanfront or streamside). Opt for heli-fishing, with exclusive use of an A-Star helicopter, to cast for trout and wild Pacific salmon, or heli-ventures, which include mountain trekking, caving and fishing. A First Nations cultural tour is partnered with the U’mista Cultural Centre & Museum. GM is Clifton Murray.

ADD YOUR COMMENTS > letters@enroutemag.net

Mary Gostelow is one of the world’s top authorities on luxury hotels and the editor-in-chief of the Wow Traveler newsletter for elite travellers. You can reach her by writing to mgostelow@enroutemag.net or visiting www.wowtraveler.net.