[attach id=243727 size="medium"]Façade of the landmark Mandarin Oriental hotel in Hong Kong.[/attach]

Best for resort relaxation

Capella Singapore, Singapore. Languishing on Sentosa Island, just a 15-minute taxi hop south of the city centre, Capella Singapore hotel in Singapore feels a relaxing world away. A tranquil resort, the 112-room heritage-modern hybrid has a graceful colonial building, artworks dotted around the manicured grounds and a triple-tier pool with South China Sea views.

Best for gourmet dining

A day-spa with 113 contemporary guest rooms, the landmark Mandarin Oriental hotel in Hong Kong gives a good stopover. This stylish skyscraper is in the heart of Central’s retail district. After a hard day’s shopping, bag a table at two-Michelin-starred Amber restaurant, a gold-hued space where chef Richard Ekkebus whips up modern French cuisine.

Best for sports-meets-shopping

The Desert Palm hotel in Dubai is sister to the Maldives’ Huvafen Fushi. This 38-room Italo-Arab urban retreat sprawls over a private polo estate. Saddle up at the riding school, play a game of tennis or soak up views of the polo fields from the lavish outdoor pool. Juggle bargain-hunting in the souks with holistic pampering at in-house spa Lime.

Best for chilling out

A sanctuary in the Malaysian capital’s leafy embassy enclave, Villa Samadhi hotel in Kuala Lumpur takes its name from the Sanskrit word for ‘journey’. There are 21 private rooms arranged around a curvy, central pool. In-house Mandi-Mandi restaurant serves Malay and Italian fare or the hotel can point you to its smart sister restaurants in town.

Best for city buzz

The ultra-central Dean Street Townhouse hotel in London’s Soho is in the middle of the action. Surrounded by a warren of happening cafes, bars and restaurants and tempting shopping, you can access all areas here, including theatres, museums and art galleries. With just 39 rooms, this hip haven also plays host to a very British brasserie, peppered with artworks by Hirst, Emin and co.