Hotel Lavaux, Cully, Switzerland

Sited between Lausanne and Vevey, in the middle of a sea of Swiss vines and the famous lake Leman, an enduring motel has been given a makeover that has transformed the patrimony-classified structure into a sleek new hotel. Designed in 1964 by celebrated Italian architect Alberto Sartoris, who lived a big part of his life in Switzerland, the building's modernist style has remained intact during the 15 million Swiss francs renovation that took two years to complete. Sitting perfectly between the UNESCO-protected vines, almost plunging into the lake, the 59-room hotel, which also comprises a further six apartments, is a mix of clean white lines and sober colours. Rooms feature their own balconies, offering panoramic views of either the vineyard or the lake and the rolling mountains beyond.