Serviced residences are typically found in two contrasting, although, not mutually exclusive locations: cities and recreational sanctuaries.

On floors 9-16 of the iconic Burj Khalifa in Dubai, the Armani Residences have been curated by the designer himself and feature zebrawood and Venetian plaster finishings, leather wall coverings, panoramic windows, private elevator access and smart- home technology with fully automated systems for security, temperature, music and lighting. They also have access to the Armani Hotel’s spa, pool, gym, Italian and Indian restaurants as well as full concierge service and housekeeping. In Dubai’s volatile real-estate market, where some of the larger outlying developments can feel somewhat cut off, this would seem to be an attractive proposition for business travellers or indeed anyone needing a bespoke UAE base.

New York is no stranger to exceptionally high-end serviced apartments either; indeed, Gotham arguably wrote the book on the genre. Combining security with exclusivity, and sophistication with convenience, the 60 Baccarat Residences on Fifth Avenue and 53rd Street are just the latest iteration. Practically opposite MoMA, prospective buyers can choose between condos ranging from one to four bedrooms, plus a five- bedroom penthouse duplex with a double-height loggia, while the Tony Ingrao-designed interiors and iconic 114-key hotel’s modish facilities, which include a library and 16.7m pool, make the appeal of this project crystal clear.

Meanwhile, those looking for a full-service Alpine ski home have two new schemes attached to leading hotel brands on offer. The recently launched Six Senses Residences Courchevel blends traditional mountain influences with contemporary style, and features a ski concierge for the day’s activities and specially configured wine cellars to encourage night- time conviviality. Two hours from Zurich, owners of the spacious apartments and penthouses in the Chedi Residences in Andermatt can use new ski runs and an 18-hole golf course, and enjoy exceptionally fine dining and the hotel cigar lounge. Both projects illustrate the advantages for the time-poor of homes that maximise sporting opportunities while simultaneously minimising organisational headaches.

Snow is more of a rarity in the Dominican Republic, where Greek-based Dolphin Capital is developing 20-odd homes adjacent to the brand new Amanera. The lavish resort has the pristine mile- long Playa Grande beach on one side, a championship Rees Jones-redesigned golf course on the other and John Heah’s magnificent Casa Grande at its heart. Contemporary villas on offer range in size from two to five bedrooms, although several spacious sea-facing plots could easily accommodate larger homes. Some of the smaller units will become part of the Aman hotel’s rental pool, so provide a significant income – another frequent advantage of this type of investment.

For hard-working individuals who cherish private space but appreciate the comforts only a leading hostelry can provide, this variety of flexible living has never been so fashionable.