Innovative Mexican hotelier Carlos Couturier’s latest project is an inland wonder, a former 19th-century water-purifying centre next to the Iglesia de San Francisco in the colonial city of Puebla. Purity is the guiding principle of the hotel’s design as executed by renowned architects Ricardo Legorreta and his son.

Victor: black and white are the only colours, bringing out the subtleties of the materials used – stone from the original building, old wood, onyx and custom floor tile, as well as found materials such as bottles and glass fragments, which are also integrated in the hotel’s graphic design. But this minimalism shouldn’t be confused with lack of luxury: a roof terrace and 30-metre pool provide ample recreational opportunity, and the 26 guestrooms offer spectacular views of the city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Whether you live in one already, or simply dream of inhabiting one down the road, a weekend in a luxury loft is now possible. The Gastwerk Hotel in Germany is an antique building, the interior of which has been renovated with the most modern designs.

Living, working, relaxing. In addition to pure design in the midst of impressive architecture. Not without reason do we welcome guests from throughout the whole world. Individualists who are seeking much more than the pure functionality of a hotel bed.

141 rooms, lofts and suites, a variably equipped conference area, a restaurant, a bar and a spacious wellness area as well as 60 parking lots in front of the hotel and 20 underground parking lots for free fully satisfy these demands in the former coal warehouse of a Hamburg gasworks.

This seven floor underwater hotel will give its guests a new view of the famous city of Istanbul. It is due to open in 2010, and will coincide with its Culture Capital of Europe nomination and lay down a gauntlet as a world capital of tourism. The hotel is the work of Tanriverdi Holding and have set aside a multi-million dollar budget to ensure the project is finished to 7 star standards.

The underwater hotel trend was reported on a year ago and this new project shows two unique characteristics - it will be based in the city center and will go one floor further underwater. The underwater hotel is being built on the ruins of a historical 1930s tobacco factory and will have restaurants, exhibition halls, and rooms all with sea view rooms.

When you tire of the endless sandy beaches and azure waters of warm climes, but you are not quite ready for space travel, head to Lapland for a dramatic, mystical getaway. The snow igloos that pop up each winter to complement the 20 spectacular glass igloos and 31 luxury log cabins at Kakslauttanen resort in Saariselkä, Finland, are definitely cool in all meanings of the word.

Far away from city lights, this is an excellent place for viewing the aurora borealis from September to April.

Hotel Kakslauttanen consists of 25 log cabins, a restaurant with souvenir shopping facilities and two saunas.

Close to the resort is the Igloo Village that offers the unusual highlight of accommodation in genuine igloos made of snow.

The Classical Baby Grand is situated in the heart of downtown Athens, so it’s a cultural haven for tourists who want to explore the city. The pulse of the city is felt from the moment guests step outside the hotel doors, as it faces Kotzia Square right next to City Hall.

Wander through the lobby as you make your way out for a night on the town, and you’ll see a garden-inspired lobby designed by Socratis Socratous. You won’t find the reception there though; you’ll have to go upstairs where two Mini Cooper convertibles (yes, cars) are used as check-in desks.