The World’s Most Beautiful and Fascinating Hotels

The undersea bedroom at the Muraka, a two-level luxury residence at the Conrad Rangali Island in the Maldives. Justin Nicholas

These days, in an age of self-isolation and physical distancing, we’re all becoming intimately acquainted—too much—with every square inch of our apartments and houses. A nice, long walk feels like a luxury. And a leisure trip to a luxury hotel—in an interesting destination—seems like just a fantasy, at least for the time being. But as we shelter-in-place, sitting on our sofas and binge-watching movies, let’s also dream, together, of travel, and new horizons, and some of the world’s most beautiful (and fascinating) hotels, places to lay your head, which also have a compelling story to tell. Here are some of the best.