The Big Six: Chic nautical hotels

Capo La Gala, Italy

Tucked amid terraces of cacti, pine, olive and lemon trees, Capo La Gala overlooks the sparkling Bay of Naples from its cliff-side vantage point. Fittingly decorated with timber, stone and shades of blue and white, the Mediterranean ambience continues right down to the underwater-style Aquarium Spa. The prevailing white of the 22 guestrooms is broken up with prints of coral, red and blue tiled floors and model sailing boats.

Hotel Capo La Gala, Via Luigi Serio 8, Vico Equense, Sorrento Coast, Italy (00 39 081 801 5757; hotelcapolagala.com). Doubles start at €220, including breakfast. Re-opens 16 April.

The Maritime Hotel, US

The nautical theme is manifest inside and out at this New York City hotel. The imposing high-rise building is dotted with porthole windows, while inside the 120 guestrooms are inspired by luxury cruise ship cabins. Celebrity hotspot Matsuri offers contemporary Japanese cuisine while the rooftop Cabanas bar delivers cocktails with iconic Manhattan views.

The Maritime Hotel, 363 West 16th Street, New York, US (001 212 242 4300; themaritimehotel.com). Doubles start at $295 (£197) room only.

L'Ocean, France

This charming hotel is typical of the Ile de Re: whitewashed walls, green shutters, painted wood panelling and nautical artefacts. Added touches such as pastel colours, shells, model boats and maritime paintings give the family-run property a beach house feel, with the seafood restaurant employing a similar vibe.

L'Ocean, 172 rue Saint-Martin, Bois Plage, Ile de Re, Brittany, France (00 33 5 46 09 2307; re-hotel-ocean.com). Doubles start at €75, room only.

Hotel Tresanton, England

Situated on the edge of St Mawes, Olga Polizzi's timeless Cornish retreat is the embodiment of seaside chic. Guests can strike off on coastal walks or explore Falmouth Bay in the hotel's 48-foot yacht, or alternatively relax with a massage or in the hotel's small cinema. The 29 rooms are furnished with Cornish art, nautical stripes and antiques.

Hotel Tresanton, St Mawes, Cornwall TR2 5DR (01326 270 055; tresanton.com). Doubles start at £190, including breakfast.

Hotel J, Sweden

Just outside Stockholm in the seaside enclave of Nacka Strand, this New-England inspired property combines idyllic archipelago views with easy access to the city centre. Restaurant J sits on the water's edge and continues the hotel's red, white and blue colour scheme which similarly adorns the 45 tasteful, cosy rooms. The watery views can be enjoyed from the summer terrace or equally from beside a crackling fire during the winter months.

Hotel J, Ellensviksv 1, Nacka Strand, Stockholm, Sweden (00 46 8 60 13 000; hotelj.com). Doubles start at SKr2,145 (£210), including breakfast.

The Boatshed, New Zealand

Designer David Scott converted his Waiheke Island holiday cottage to become The Boatshed; today the boutique hotel purveys an equally laid-back ambience. The five guest suites and two bungalows, known as 'bachs' – or luxury beach cottages - include the modern 'Lighthouse' and the more traditional 'Bridge.' 35 minutes by ferry from Auckland and two minutes' walk from white sandy beaches, the hotel is ideal for exploring the island's vineyards, art galleries and markets.

The Boatshed, Cnr Tawa and Huia Street, Little Oneroa, Waiheke, Hauraki Gulf, New Zealand (00 64 9 37 23 242; boatshed.co.nz). Doubles start at NZ$TBC (£).