From magical massages and soul-stirring desserts to spellbinding sunset views and the iconic Peacock Alley, these divine properties of Waldorf Astoria enchant with an elegant sense of place. Here, our trio of creative thinkers pick out their personal highlights from stays at three superlative destinations in these curated collections.

From left to right: Chloe Hall - Seasoned beauty director and new mom to one-year-old Otis.

Ivy Elrod - Multidisciplinary creative and CEO of Wilder, a design firm.

Chris Wallace - Travel writer, editor and photographer.

Waldorf Astoria Cancun | Mexico

“Let’s start with the good news: I was purged entirely of negative energy. After I walked through a sauna and steam room that filled my lungs and heart with eucalyptus, I was handed a cup of chamomile tea in the type of cute ceramic cup you always want for your home (but can never exactly find). While winding through encroaching Cancunian foliage to my room, I felt every bit of despair depart my body, making space for optimism and gratitude.

During the Yaxche Journey at the spa, our ritual guide connected us to our ancestors and tree of life, then helped us send love to everyone before we dropped resin into a fire – it blazed. ‘The fire’s not usually so big,’ she noted. My mental alignment was followed by a massage I’ll think about on my deathbed, probably.

The bad news: you do eventually have to leave. I know, I couldn’t believe it either.” — Chloe Hall

"The spa is worth the trop to Cancun alone. I miss you Estella"

Tip: At Malpeque, the mocktails are so good that you forget (momentarily) about margaritas, and you can create your own surf and turf. Head to Chaya for the best tuna crudo.

Waldorf Astoria Bangkok | Thailand

“The hotel pierces the Bangkok skyline like a designer lipstick kissing the clouds. In the grand lobby, bronze screens melt Art Deco glamour with curved flourishes, inspired by the arched fingertips in traditional Thai dance.

The city’s best brunch was right downstairs in The Brasserie with offerings from both the western and Asian sides – yes, two kitchens. I rarely enjoy steamed pork ribs with my morning yogurt but at Waldorf Astoria Bangkok I certainly do. The high tea at Peacock Alley, filled with colourful jewel box sweet and savoury delicacies, was almost too delightful a visual feast to consume (my favourites: the Foie Gras Tart and the New York Sundae Choux). The Loft Bar was a divine setting to take in the sunset with a cocktail, while Front Room was home to the most decadent cheesecake, which was served in a coconut – how I will be taking all my desserts moving forward.” – Ivy Elrod

"Best massage of my life - Thai or otherwise - I collapsed into the hands of Sonj"

Tip: The rooftop pool, featuring a behemoth sculptural structure that wraps above and around you in abstract curves, feels like swimming in a surrealist teacup.

Waldorf Astoria Dubai International Financial Centre | United Arab Emirates

“At first glance, Waldorf Astoria Dubai International Financial Centre looks similar to the architecture of the United Nations in New York City: a grand glass block resembling a hardcover on a shelf, with smooth white stone forming the spine and page ends. At the same time, the lobby-level café and bar, Peacock Alley, could be in Milan: low-slung 1970s-style chairs and tables set against book-matched burl wall panels and chrome lights. And you’d be forgiven for thinking yourself to be at a Saint-Tropez seaside resort, eating deconstructed poké bowls by the pool, if not for the miraculous view of downtown Dubai.

That view stops you in your tracks wherever you are in the hotel, from the gym to the glittering Bull & Bear restaurant and in your room, where the dusty sunrise coming up over the desert gives the cityscape’s monumental buildings a kind of hazy, ethereal feel, provoking some very special reveries.” – Chris Wallace

I couldn't believe that..."I spent more time in Dubai in my robe than out of it"

Tip: Carve out time for a massage at the spa and request Ayu, who was incredibly intuitive, even unpicking a few of my travel-tightened shoulder blades.