Do you plan your holidays to take in a whole load of design culture, experience new things and be totally inspired by where you’ve been? If you get excited by amazing architecture, art and interiors then check out these 5 design destinations you need to visit. With Virgin Atlantic’s biggest change to its economy cabin in over a decade – introducing three new ways to fly and offering customers more of what they want. The three new ways to fly allow you to choose the product that suits your budget and travel style whilst not compromising on inclusive food and drink, inflight entertainment and a USB point in every seat. So no need to worry about your insta stories draining your phone battery! All you need to do is choose your next design destination…
Dubai
Ah Dubai – one place that really surprised me, and in a good way! I had a 24hr stopover in Dubai with Virgin Atlantic and I’ll definitely go back to see and experience more! When it comes to architecture and interiors – anything is possible, as long as you have deep pockets. In Dubai, the sky’s the limit… literally! So be prepared to be inspired by some amazing design.
Where to go
The Burj Khalifa of course! What better way to take in the city and experience an amazing piece of architecture at the same time? There’s also the Dubai Design District [http://www.dubaidesigndistrict.com/] which nurtures emerging local talent and has become a leading destination for design lovers of all types.
Where to stay
We stayed at the Nassima Royal Hotel, you can read all about it here. The hotel ticked every box and we’d definitely stay there again!
Take a look at Virgin Atlantic flights directly from London to Dubai
Shanghai
As well as being the most populated city in the world, it is also noted to have the most Art Deco buildings compared to other cities in the world. Shanghai is an absolute gem for design and architecture lovers. A juxtaposition of forward-thinking architecture and peaceful gardens, ancient Chinese culture and the bright lights of the city skyline.
Where to visit
The Museum of Contemporary Art Shanghai MoCA is nestled in the heart of the People’s Park. The outer façade made of glass and there is a rooftop terrace with 360’ views of the lush park and surrounding iconic landmarks.
What to do
Find a walking tour to take in the amazing architecture that Shanghai has to offer. Take an insta shot of the Oriental Pearl Tower, head up to the Jin Mao Tower’s observation deck and take a stroll across the Quingpu pedestrian bridge.
Where to stay
The PuLi Grand hotel is at the top of my list of top design hotels in Shanghai. Understated and sophisticated, the PuLi offers classical contemporary interior design throughout. When a hotel goes into this level of detail in its décor, you know this will be reflected in the service too. You’ll barely want to leave the hotel!
Take a look at Virgin Atlantic flights directly from London to Shanghai
Havana
My only regret on my trip to Cuba a few years ago was that I didn’t fly into Havana and then take an internal flight on from there. It’s the ideal place to let your inner bohemian out and bask in all of Havana’s 1950s and baroque architecture, interiors and of course cars!
What to do
In a city that has been crumbling for decades and with artists frustrated at not having many opportunities to express their creativity, street art is huge in Havana. Much of which has actually done the city a huge service of bringing many old buildings back to life with stunning murals. You can spot many of them by just walking around the city – or you can join a graffiti tour!
Where to stay
I simply couldn’t choose just one, so why not spend a few nights in each hotel and experience as much as you can?
Gran Hotel Manzana Kempinski – a slice of luxury
Hotel Florida – A colonial style hotel in Old Havana. If you enjoy classical architecture then you’ll love sitting in this courtyard sipping on a Cuba Libre or two…
Hotel Riviera – as close as you’re going to get to stepping back to the 50s. Whatever they couldn’t renovate, they’ve replicated so that it looks just like it did in the days of original owner and mob boss Meyer Lansky.
Take a look at Virgin Atlantic flights directly from London to Havana
Seattle
Home of grunge music, Starbucks and cutting-edge technology, Seattle has always been a forward-thinking city which still celebrates its heritage. If you’re inspired by all things alternative and quirky, then Seattle is the city for you. There’s just as much going on above ground as there is underground, and I’m not just talking about culture and design. Seattle was founded on the soggy tide flats of the Puget Sound and would often get consumed by mud. After the great fire of 1889, Seattle was rebuilt one story higher and many of the original streets and buildings still exist in a maze of tunnels. Take the Seattle underground tour to see this buried city for itself.
Where to go
The Seattle Space Needle is well worth a visit. This 1960s tower is beautiful in itself as are the views across the city and the Puget Sound. Take the monorail (which is an experience in itself!), it links downtown Seattle to the Space Needle, Museum of Pop Culture MoPOP and more. If you grew up with Nirvana and Jimi Hendrix then you’ll definitely want to stop off for a visit. Designed by Frank Gehry and listing in the world’s 10 ugliest buildings by Forbes, the ‘smashed guitar’ building, in my humble opinion, is beautiful. Clad in thousands of coloured aluminium shingles, the building shimmers and moves with the light. To me, it’s a building fit for rock gods and I love it!
Take a look at Virgin Atlantic flights directly from London to Seattle
Watch how economy have been revolutionised the Virgin Atlantic way – delivering the flair they’re famous for regardless of where you sit on the plane.
Where’s the one place that has really inspired you? Add your tips in the comments below!
Natalia xo
*In collaboration with Virgin Atlantic, all words are my own as always. I get a small commission for purchases made through links in this post.
I went to Havana a long time ago and I loved looking at all the old design styles around but I never got to see any of the more modern stuff like that amazing hotel and would love to go back and take in some more of the inspirational designs there.
Havana is definitely on our wishlist and the Hotel Riviera looks just perfect! Thanks for the unusual lineup. :)
Some great ideas here. I always check out the design geek potential of the places I visit. I just can’t help myself. My husband isn’t always thrilled about the places I make him visit. Our trip to the Museum of Things in Berlin left him a little bewildered.
Havana is definitely on my bucket list – it looks absolutely stunning! Seattle sounds really cool as well.
All these places sounds absolutely amazing, I’ve always wanted to visit Dubi as it looks stunning in pictures and I would love to experience the culture. What an amazing post.
Every place you’ve mentioned is amazing and do much to do. Dubai always looks so cool!
I spent about 5 hours in Dubai airport and even that looked beautiful! I’ll have to make a proper visit and leave the airport ?
Dubai and Havana are on my dream wish list of places to go – i really need to get my thinking cap on -amd buy one way ticket
Hi, i so want to go to Dubai! Thanks so much for the tips now I have a few more places to visit! X
Always wanted to visit Havana to see those cars buildings and of course dance! Seattle has got to be a must see west coast city.! Might just try those seats out.
Havanna is top of my list of the places I want to visit. It just looks so beautiful there.
Interesting choices – I love the fact you’re picked out destinations that might not normally be thought of as design-y places but which are obviously brimming with inspiration. I’d love to make it to Havanna one day!
We had a hellish trip to Havana back when I was a teenager which involved my Dad being kidnapped for 12hrs and us being stranded without any money (back in the days when you couldn’t just put your card in a machine to get more money) in a dodgy hotel where a one armed prostitute followed us around all day. We were even calling Watchdog to try and get home. Seriously, it was one of those experiences you couldn’t make up! It’s probably one long way in the last 20yrs and I must admit it is one of the most vibrant and colourful places I have ever visited.
So many places to see! The architecture looks amazing in all these destinations. We’ve actually been to Havana, it’s so beautiful. Your post brought me right back ?
Fab post! Shanghai looks amazing and is definitely on my bucket list! I can only imagine how much Dubai has changed in the eleven years since I was last there – it has built up so much! Sim x
Wow so many exciting places. Havana and also Seattle would be my top picks x
Havana is definitely on my list – the beautiful coloured buildings and old cars make it such a unique destination. Hotel Florida looks spectacular, you’re right, I can totally picture myself on that sofa, sipping a nice cold cocktail.
I always get itchy travel feet when I read these types of articles. Havana looks incredible and I’ve always wanted to go to Seattle ever since watching Sleepless in Seattle many many years ago! Funny how these places stick in our minds.
We have actually been to Havana before we had kids. It is a wonderful city and we had a great time. We went and watched the famous show at club Tropicana. Although drinks are most definitely not free. Hoping that we may make it to the other places on your list too one day x
Havana looks amazing, it’s somewhere I’d love to visit. I have such itchy feet right now, I went to New Orleans and Memphis last year and it’s made me want to see more of America. Next on the list is Boston!
Katie xoxo
Wow some great places there and Havana is definitely on my bucket list! It always looks so colourful and alive!
Dubai has always been on my travel bucket list! I reckon I’ll have to put the rest on too, especially Havana, it looks amazing!!
Oh yes, Havana! I went in 2011 before I was into photography and I am dying to go back now.
I’m really impressed with the extra touches being offered onboard Virgin Atlantic in economy class:) Seattle has been on my travel wish list for a long time. Sounds like an incredible city:)