One of many reasons the 212-room Equinox Hotel is unique is its adjacent climbing frame, namely architect Thomas Heatherwick’s 45m-tall honeycomb-shaped Vessel sculpture. More one-offs: enter the hotel’s main door to walk past an undulating aluminium and steel wall (remember distorting mirrors at fairgrounds?). At the 25th floor reception, fashionistas in white suits explained that the David Rockwell-designed hotel occupies floors 24-38 of the 92-floor Related-owned building, anchor of Hudson’s Yards redevelopment on the city’s west side.

Winter is coming to New York, of course. But this year, for the first time, The Peninsula New York is going alpine. Head up to this luxury hotel’s rooftop for gluvein or Piper-Heidsieck, and hot snacks. This is definitely something, the gal predicts, that will draw the locale even more to a hotel that is already constantly full of surprises.

Virtuoso has given a sneak peek of the hottest upscale hotels debuting worldwide over the next few months. From Asia to Africa to Europe and beyond, these properties will dazzle with scenic settings, stunning design and impeccable service. Beachside escapes, historic properties, modern stunners and nature retreats are awaiting travellers, who will return home with the greatest souvenir: a transformational experience courtesy of these hotels that are raising the bar.