Q1 Resort and Spa, Gold Coast (Australia)

This sleek skyscraper towers above other highrises of Australia's shiniest beachfront destination. The 526 apartments in Q1 are available for both long-term residents and vacationers, with glassed-in balconies that offer inland and ocean views.

The slanted, curved roof of the tower is meant to resemble both the Olympic torch and Sydney's iconic opera house. Q1 was designed not to cast shadows on its surroundings.

As well as being the tallest building in the Southern Hemisphere (when measured to the top of its spire), Q1 is also the second tallest freestanding structure in the Southern Hemisphere, behind Auckland's Sky Tower.

Q1 Resort and Spa is located on Hamilton Avenue, Surfers Paradise, Queensland; +61 7 5630 4500; rooms are available from AU$225 (US$234) for one-bedroom spa suites; www.q1.com.au