So Bangkok — Bangkok, Thailand

Following on from the success of the Sofitel So in Mauritius, the second hotel from the group is a 30-storey property in the Thai capital of Bangkok. Inspired by the five Chinese elements of metal, water, earth, wood and fire, local architect Smith Obayawat, along with five celebrated Thai interior designers, teamed up with fashion designer Christian Lacroix to ensure each area of the hotel has its own mood. The restaurant is dedicated to the element of fire, featuring a handcrafted Molteni oven in the centre. Designed by Pongthep Sagulku, the water rooms feature bathtubs overlooking the city, while the earth rooms, by Vitoon Kunalungkarn, emanate warm colours inspired by indigenous etchings from the northeastern caves of Thailand. Nithi Sthapitanonda was in charge of the wood rooms, which echo the elegance and tranquility of northern Thai heritage homes and feature sketches of old Siam. Lastly, Somchai Jongsaen’s metal element-inspired rooms incorporate brushed metal Ramayana clouds that crown the beds. The rooftop (Hi So) bar has private cabanas overlooking the buzzing city, and the spa uses products from Cinq Mondes and Thai brand Ytsara.