The Peninsula Beijing, China

Appointed to the 2011 Gold List by Condé Nast Traveller magazine as one of the ‘World’s Best Places to Stay,’ no detail is spared to provide the utmost comfort and luxury for guests, from big white marble bathrooms to rooms that are entirely operable from the bedside control panel.

The Peninsula Academy programme has introduced ‘The Art of Hospitality’. Try out this new initiative which offers the opportunity to learn about the history of contemporary Chinese art and major masterpieces with additional tours of galleries and workshops available on request.

We like: The hotel’s arcade of three levels of designer shops.

Best for: Ultimate relaxation in the heart of Beijing.