Design hotels

Huge choice of luxury designer hotels available around the world to give you a hotel holiday you'll love.

METROPOLE HOTEL
The decor of this totally revamped, noble Georgian townhouse gives this downtown-Cape Town location an old-worldly grace, an impression sustained by a lobby incorporating the city’s oldest functioning elevator. It is indeed the subtle mélange of luxurious urban design with just the slightest retro 60’s touch, which makes up the essence of this vibrant hotel. There is a small boardroom available for business meetings and event requirements. In the midst of a prime shopping area, and with its close proximity to entertainment and culture centers though, the Metropole Hotel’s location in Cape Town is an obvious choice for the discerning socialite, and by night is host to one hip in-house hotspot after another.One of these hotspots is the Veranda Restaurant, serving an excellent menu, which in its way mirrors the energetic eclecticism of the Metropole itself, ranging from mouthwatering modern South African cuisine to something glamorously rustic. Another prime location is certainly the chic and intimate M-Bar & Lounge, where guests can shake and stir to the pulse of sophisticated sounds or on some nights live music. As part of Cape Town's nightlife, the M-Bar is an open-end meeting ground for young, hip urban dwellers and for those who remain young at heart.
TEN BOMPAS HOTEL
Originally a private home, Ten Bompas was converted into an exclusive city hotel with 10 suites, a contemporary restaurant, 'Sides' and a magnificent wine cellar overlooking the swimming pool. Three buildings were added to the old villa, all connected by a footbridge. Each suite has been individually decorated by a different interior designer, using their interpretation of an African theme. An appealing collection of African sculptures, art and architecture forms a perfect aesthetic match and creates a flow through the public spaces. Each suite has its own title, indicating its style and furnishing. Choose from a spectrum ranging from the colonial 'Edwardian Suite', with masculine reds, tans and dark blue, to 'African Colours', reflecting the local landscapes in yellow and ochre tones, sisal flooring and terracotta.
THE OUTPOST
Set on a hilltop in the untouched wilderness of the Kruger National Park, South Africa, overlooking magnificent floodplains and 120 kilometers from the nearest town, The Outpost offers 180 degree backdrops of the Luvhuvu river from its suites, and vistas to the Mozambique and Zimbabwe borders from the bath. Accommodating a maximum of 24 guests in stand-alone quarters, the hotel is an oasis of reserved, eco-luxury; currently the first lodge to be built in the Makulele region, an area of over 59,000 acres. Constructed from steel, canvas and aluminium, the surprisingly contemporary buildings are open and unaffected; the work of Italian-born architect, Enrico Daffonichio. Taking a lead in South Africa's ecotourism revolution, The Outpost is committed to employing and training local Makulele people, creating not just another tourist destination, but the backbone to a whole community.
THE FRANKLIN HOTEL
Opening May 2008. London’s Knightsbridge is brought up to date in a luxurious, bespoke take on the English inn. Designer Reardon Smith, London’s premier hotel “refinisher”, has taken the four townhouses spanned by the hotel to create an open, airy space. The lobby looks onto a tree-lined garden and features a solid, proper London aesthetic lightened by liberal use of glass and modern touches. The gardens are present in more ways than one: guests have exclusive access to the hotel’s stylish bar and restaurant, the Dining Room, both sitting atop the greenery. Further facilities include two meeting rooms and a new workout centre with the most recent Technogym facilities as well as a spa. Guestrooms sport fired-oak floors and abundant use of luxurious materials including Bellora linens; many bathrooms feature separate tiled areas with rain showers. All of this discreet luxury lies within a stone’s throw of Harrods and a host of London’s old- and new-school restaurants and entertainment.
CHARLOTTE STREET HOTEL
Scenes of modern urban life are reflected in the vibrant streetscape in this, London's media neighbourhood just north of Soho. The area brims with bars, restaurants and shops and the theatre district is a short walk. The Charlotte Street Hotel, which opened in 2000, plays a vital role in the buzzing local area providing the perfect set for relaxed business, old friends meeting for lunch, or just a few drinks on the terrace after a hard day. The tableaux on Charlotte Street is mirrored in the vivid mural that wraps around Oscar, the hotel's ground floor bar and restaurant where guests can enjoy favourite English dishes cooked up with a European twist. Charlotte Street Hotel's 52 rooms and suites reflect owner and designer Kit Kemp's fresh, modern English style. A collection of Modern British art sits comfortably alongside French stone fireplaces and sofas and chairs covered in vivid fabrics. High windows let the light pour in and frame views that stretch far and wide across the London rooftops.
COVENT GARDEN HOTEL
Surrounded by 21 theaters, the Covent Garden Hotel is directly in the center of London's entertainment district, only a short walk to Soho and the Royal Opera House. In the midst of so much drama, the hotel certainly holds its own, providing delights to match any West End show. At reception, guests are greeted by grand curtains, adorned with English roses, before entering the stage of aged woods, head-turning interiors and dignified architecture. Up stone stairs, the first-floor drawing room overwhelms with its size and lively, bright upholstery. Canadian maplewood panelling brings a refined natural element into the open room, which is contrasted by the intimate Tiffany's Library adjoining. The real heart of the Covent Garden Hotel lies below, however, in the ever-bustling Brasserie Max. A favorite meeting place for Londoners and visitors alike, the pewter bar, cozy banquettes and tucked-away corners are perfect for post-theater conversation.
THE METROPOLITAN
When the Metropolitan Hotel first opened in 1997, it saw the traditional neighbourhood of Mayfair rock with a new kind of visitor - fast, fashionable aficionados of modern design. Now, eight years down the line, the 150-room contemporary showpiece created by United Designers, is looking as hot as ever, having just undergone a complete refurbishment, introducing Wifi throughout as well as a new look Met Bar. This is among the city's most popular members' clubs, open to hotel residents, where martinis are sipped to cool tunes spun by top-of-the-game DJs. There is also a COMO Shambhala Urban Escape offering a gym, steam room, reflexology, aromatherapy, shiatsu massage and jet-lag therapies. Yoga mats are supplied in room, and teachers available on request. For a Michelin-starred culinary experience, Nobu, the hotel restaurant co-owned by Nobu Matsuhisa and Robert de Niro, offers innovative Japanese cuisine with an upbeat New York-style atmosphere. There are five event spaces accommodating groups from 10 to 80. Service, for which this hotel is known, includes a concierge who knows exactly what's going on in town as well as room butlers.
THE PELHAM HOTEL
The Pelham Hotel is a private and distinctive hotel with an individual sense of tradition, situated in Cromwell Place, between Chelsea and Hyde Park. The hotel draws its character from the surrounding museums, established art dealers and family owned antique shops. Thurloe Square and local florists give the neighborhood a living splash of color; part of the rich and vibrant atmosphere of South Kensington, which is sensitively translated into The Pelham's interior. A blend of country cottage and smart townhouse, The Pelham Hotel has been designed with freshness and modernity. Beyond the porticoed façade, guests find themselves in richly ornamented rooms full of fine details such as tailored fabrics and original artworks. Carefully chosen antique furnishings and paintings emphasize the feeling of well-heeled luxury. Have a cognac near a warm fire in the wood paneled library, or retreat to the gentle peace of your own private suite.
THE SOHO HOTEL
Set to follow their previous London hotel successes, Tim and Kit Kemp have finished a new project: The Soho Hotel. The first 'deluxe hotel' in the Soho district of central London, the property was created on the site of a former multi-story car park between Dean and Wardour Streets. Following the site's demolition, fresh construction was undertaken and an entirely new hotel building, architecturally sympathetic to the original red-brick structure, has replaced it. The Soho Hotel has 85 guestrooms and suites, as well as eight private apartments with separate entrances, two drawing rooms, a Bar & Restaurant, two screening rooms, three private dining rooms and a fully-equipped gym. Interiors reflect Kit Kemp's signature modern English style, featuring solid granite and oak bathrooms. British art also plays a vital role in the interior design - look out for a ten-foot-tall Botero sculpture in the lobby.
THE ROCKWELL
A jewel of a restored English hotel, The Rockwell manages to combine traditional charm with contemporary ambience. A four-storey South Kensington Victorian terrace house was retrofitted to the highest standards, with modern touches such as vivid green window sashes and delicate glass balustrade. A sense of hushed sophistication is apparent the moment you enter: stone staircases, wrought-iron banisters and a Victorian mosaic floor in the lobby are combined with contemporary furniture and fabrics. The stylish bar, One-Eight-One, serves modern interpretations of traditional English food, in keeping with the hotel’s overall theme (and dovetailing with England’s cooking renaissance and rediscovery of its own culinary roots), in a dining area that extends to a terraced garden. The 40 individually designed guestrooms are masterpieces of contemporary styling with a distinctly English twist, including floral wallpaper and original architectural details, but a spareness of line and ultramodern bathrooms keep the hotel squarely out of the realm of nostalgia. And on those rare rainy London days, the lounge offers an open fireplace and walnut bookshelves to provide a solid dose of indoor comfort rare in modern hospitality.
HAYMARKET HOTEL
A bold step away from cookie-cutter minimalism, the Haymarket fuses contemporary design elements in a solid, classical setting in an ultra-central London location. The Haymarket’s façade was designed by John Nash, the master architect who developed most of Regency London, including Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, and the adjoining Haymarket Theatre. Now extensively remodeled by Tim and Kit Kemp, London hoteliers extraordinaire, the remodeled Haymarket comprises 50 bedrooms and one exclusive townhouse property. The hotel’s location could not be more central: on the corner of Suffolk Place and Haymarket, around the corner from Trafalgar Square. In addition, the private townhouse has direct access to the hotel and all its services and facilities, offering luxury living on a large scale in a hotel context. All rooms feature wireless internet as well as granite and oak bathrooms with the highest level of techno-luxury (heated towel rails, anti-misting mirrors); guests can also take advantage of the 18 metre swimming pool with bar and nightclub-worthy sound system, as well as the BRUMUS restaurant and bar.
SANCTUM SOHO HOTEL
Opening October 2008. Located in the heart of London’s West End, the Sanctum Soho hotel is a celebration of the neighbourhood in which it stands: like Soho itself, the hotel exudes an edgy glamour, and both its design and ambience have an artsy, bohemian flair.
KNIGHTSBRIDGE HOTEL
On a quiet, tree-lined street in London's Beaufort Gardens is the Knightsbridge, where owner/designer Kit Kemp continues to expand upon her stylish palette. Specially commissioned art adorns the reception area, and the two drawing rooms both featuring French sandstone fireplaces range in style from romantic to ethnic. Guestrooms are done in Kemp's famous "fresh, modern English style"; each individually designed in colours ranging from soft neutrals to bold dramatic hues.
NUMBER SIXTEEN
Enjoy true English hospitality - and even a little whimsy - in the heart of London's South Kensington district. Situated in a white -stuccoed Victorian terrace, Number Sixteen's guestrooms are fresh, bright and soothing, while the drawing rooms offer bold splashes of colour on walls and textiles. The subtle surprises continue in a lush, tree-filled private garden and conservatory, which provide the ultimate in urban relaxation.
42 THE CALLS
In 1991 a riverside corn mill in Leeds was converted into a refreshingly different designer hotel - 42 The Calls. Since then the hotel has become a favourite among its loyal guests appreciative of the exceptional service and modern English interiors. With just 41 bedrooms and suites, 42 The Calls is a unique and exceptional establishment. Handmade beds with Egyptian Cotton linen, carefully selected paintings and drawings, and friendly touches such as homemade cookies and fudge make these spaces havens of relaxation combined with up to the minute technology, including interactive plasma television, Wi-Fi and high speed broadband access. One of Yorkshire's finest restaurants shares the same premises as the hotel. Brasserie Forty 4, an informal, buzzing venue popular with Leeds' fashionable set, retains two AA rosettes. Everywhere are signs of the buildings previous life as a corn mill, some walls are hung with photographs of the mill during its conversion; many rooms feature large mill windows with wooden shutters; others have remnants of the mills pulleys, wheels and girders in the ceilings and walls; and some have seating areas which overhang the waterís edge.
HOPE STREET HOTEL
Hope Street Hotel is as confident, open and welcoming as Liverpool itself. A city with a feel for the past, but its eyes on the future, the port has always been one of the UK's most international and lively regions. Bringing a clean new style to the historic Hope Street Quarter, the proprietor-managed hotel is housed in a former warehouse, built in 1860 in the style of a Venetian palazzo. Dramatically re-interpreted by Basia Chlebik, wood, stone and glass have been used in the interior to underscore a philosophy of simple, discreet hospitality, reflected further in the hotel's personal approach. Bespoke furniture in maple and beech compliments daylight flooded guestrooms, balancing with the plush tones in the hotel's interior. This has proved a winning formula as Hope Street Hotel have been awarded a Good Hotel Guide’s Cesar 2005 as well as being included in Condé Nast Traveller’s Hotlist. On the ground floor of the hotel, facing out on to Hope Street, chef Paul Askew has created The London Carriage Works, one of the city's leading restaurants and he has since been awarded a 2005 Rémy as one of the UK's top 10 regional restaurants. Eye-catching glazing opens up vibrant vistas of the city's street life, offering guests their own very privileged seat for people-watching.

SEAHAM HALL HOTEL AND SERENITY SPA
Romantic with a capital R, Seaham Hall was the site of what is perhaps the ultimate celebrity event of 1815, the wedding of Lord Byron to Lady Annabella Milbanke. This noble pedigree has been brought to life in a smart update that has made the hotel one of the top destinations in Northeast England. Originally built in 1791, the complex includes the hotel and the Serenity Spa, an award-winning destination in its own right.A generous courtyard features ethereal ambient light provided by stained glass windows and skylights, an interpretation of Lord Byron’s exploits by artist Bridget Jones. Paintings, by Dale Atkinson and Pual Gallagher, and sculpture highlight the Seaham’s aesthetic commitment. Downstairs, original vaulted cellars have been storing fine wines for over 200 years, now headed for chef Stephen Smith’s acclaimed in-house restaurant. Rooms are uncluttered, featuring sconce lighting on expansive walls, some with limestone fireplaces and sea or forest views – a soothing, contemporary take on richly textured English hospitality.
VINCENT HOTEL
Opening 1st May 2008. A dash of urban (and urbane) sophistication in northwest England’s Southport, Vincent Hotel shows how luxurious simple, modern design can be. The façade is heavy on glass, playing on themes of lightness and transparency that distinguish the hotel from its conservative neighbours on high-ticket Lord Street. The interior is an updating of the intimate, club-like space of classic English hotels in rich textures with bold colour blocking. The lobby is a study in black and white: a black marble desk, a white roll of carpet, and a dark wood floor set off luxurious leather armchairs, the contrast rendering every shape distinct.
HOTEL UNIQUE
A reference in modern architecture and originality, Unique's spacey, green copper façade alone makes this hotel unlike any other. Located in the well-heeled residential area of Jardins, and just meters from Ibirapuera Park, São Paulo's largest green area, the building rises like a gracious ocean liner in dry-dock. Shielding dark glass and a desert garden of mini, sand-toned cubes of rock, palms and agaves are the first impressions that the hotel offers. Dramatic high internal spaces such as the lobby are excentuated and illuminated with walls of beige marble, and sharp, geometric themes make the spectacle even grander. A carefully choreographed spectrum of circles and squares, ellipses and sine curves flow in and out of each other, softened by wooden flooring, sleek white furnishings and transparent glass tables and fittings. The rooftop terrace displays amazing views of the city, if you manage to take your eyes off of the fascinating crimson red swimming pool. Before their stay, everyone looks up and wonders,´What is it like to stay there?´. After a day here, you will wonder, How are you going to be able to stay anywhere else?
HOTEL ST. PAUL
Montreal’s vieux quartier, like many European cities, provides a distinctive challenge to forward-looking hotels: how to create a modern, chic hotel in a classical context. The Hotel St. Paul is muscular Beaux-Arts shell; past the antique doors, however, the interior is ethereal, airy, and light. Embodying an elemental theme, the hotel alternates between this airy reverie and an earthier, more textured approach, whether in public spaces or in guestrooms. The lobby of Hotel St. Paul adds a fire-lit ice sculpture and Cube, one of Montreal’s trendiest spots; the lounge features low sofas and taupe coloured walls. The 120 guestrooms go a more intimate route, with ambient light, pony-skin chairs and modernist furniture, as well as LCD flat-screen televisions and high speed internet - the lobby also offers wireless Internet connectivity-. Hotel St. Paul culminates in the penthouse floor, including the “Black Suite”, whose charcoal-coloured walls are set off by 13-foot ceilings and high windows for a supremely elegant effect and includes some of the best views in Montreal.
CONDESA DF
Tucked away on a tree-lined avenue in Mexico City's cool Condesa neighborhood, the new CONDESA df Hotel imaginatively fuses the name and spirit of its environment with designer India Mahdavi's inventive and playful simplicity. Hip without being haughty, Mahdavi's design offers functional originality from rooms to rooftop, incorporating a range of local materials in elements including custom-made furniture and stone tile flooring. The CONDESA df's ground-floor restaurant exemplifies this ideal, with its indoor/outdoor feel flowing through a series of privacy-optional rooms, ringing a vivid, flora-filled courtyard. The guestrooms, located above this area, are equally magnetic. With a slick back to basics ethic, the hotel is imbued with Mahdavi's whimsical interpretations of modernity. Visit the relaxed rooftop; rife with opportunities for repose on communal sofas, in the therme or the hammam. Check out the basement bar, and feel the energy of CONDESA df; a must stop for style travellers.
HABITA
Habita is Mexico City's spin on a modern design hotel. Situated in the Polanco district, a fashionable neighborhood of tree lined boulevards, trendy restaurants and chic shopping, one can enjoy culture in the heart of the city's business center. The converted 1950's building has gained a new identity, bringing in light and space by adding a 'wrapper' of frosted glass. The adventurous design encapsulates the hotel in a floating glass box suspended from the original facade. From the top of the box, take in the spectacular city views, or relax in the rooftop bar and pool while mingling with locals and visitors alike. A minimalist approach gives Habita and Mexico City a raw modernism, opening the eyes of the old world to the new.
BASICO
A thrilling jumble of influences, found objects, new design and local culture, the Basico is a defiantly modern Mexican hotel in the newly bustling Caribbean coast town of Playa del Carmen. White-sand beaches are steps away, but the real story is the openness of the hotel, from its street-market-style reception area and bar to its floor-to-ceiling bedroom windows. Basico's 15 guestrooms are eccentrically furnished with local references including spare tires, plants, and rich textures, featuring recycled materials, resins, exposed plumbing pipes, and even latex.Beds are elevated and contain a variety of pleasant surprises underneath, while a white Polaroid camera sits above the bed to capture magic moments. Plasma-screen televisions show a constant video feed of the beach. Upstairs, the top floor contains the Azotea Bar and pool area. Two converted petroleum tanks serve as above-ground pools with views of the Caribbean; a bar, DJs and film projections fill the evenings. It all evokes a glamorous, style-savvy and young Mexico, one that defies conventional wisdom and offers a glimpse of the future.
DESEO
In another attempt to create a modern Mexican sophistication, the owners of Habita in Mexico City, have moved to the Yucatan Peninsula. The Mayan Riviera, long visited for stunning archeological ruins and scuba diving, now has the ultimate destination for relaxation. Deseo, in Playa del Carmen, maintains the charm of old fishing villages along the Caribbean coast, yet in the smoothest of transitions, offers the best of today's lifestyle. Open-air lounges, seabreeze and succulent dishes can be enjoyed in a purely refined atmosphere. The cocktails let alone the sounds of the best DJ's from around the world will intoxicate you into a soothing state of mind.
AZUCAR
Named for the sugar cane grown in its home state of Veracruz, the Azucar was conceived by hotelier Carlos Couturier, founder of some of Mexico’s hippest resort properties. For the Acuzar he decided on an almost anti-design back-to-basics theme that finds its expression in an airy, breezy feeling. The hotel’s 20 low-slung bungalows, all in an intense white-on-white colour scheme, inspire visions of loose cotton clothing, sandals and the easiest of schedules.“I wanted to recuperate a lifestyle gone by…and give guests the pleasures of simple things”, said Couturier. Bungalows feature thatched roofs and private terraces overlooking the Gulf of Mexico, each with its own locally made hammock for naps or reading sessions cooled by the sea breeze. Public spaces are mainly open-air, including the library with wicker seating and a thatched ceiling as well as a spa area with a yoga space and a full range of spa offerings. The sea winds blow through the hotel’s culinary offerings as well: the restaurant features the freshest of Gulf seafood served in a sugary-white environment. It’s a simple recipe for luxury, but it works wonders on world-weary souls.
LA PURIFICADORA
Innovative Mexican hotelier Carlos Couturier’s latest project is an inland wonder, a former 19th-century water-purifying centre next to the Iglesia de San Francisco in the colonial city of Puebla. Purity is the guiding principle of the hotel’s design as executed by renowned architect Ricardo Legorreta: black and white are the only colours, bringing out the subtleties of the materials used – stone from the original building, old wood, onyx and custom floor tile, as well as found materials such as bottles and glass fragments, which are also integrated in the hotel’s graphic design. But this minimalism shouldn’t be confused with lack of luxury: a roof terrace and 30-metre pool provide ample recreational opportunity, and the 26 guestrooms offer spectacular views of the city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A ground-floor restaurant, patio, library and extensive wine cellar offer civilized diversions, but La Purificadora's real achievement is in its mix of tradition and contemporary flavour, giving Puebla a hotel to savour on the road from Mexico City to Oaxaca.
HOTEL HEALDSBURG
At the heart of Northern California is a heritage of great creation in nature and the culinary arts. The magnitude of the Pacific Coast, with its' vast ocean, rolling vineyards and forests of giant redwoods are the back drop for the best in food and wine. The ideal base to experience these treasures can be found in Hotel Healdsburg. Filling the need for a hotel, which encompasses the wine country's simplicity and charm, the owners have created a venue where one can enjoy some of the world's finest vineyards and restaurants within minutes of the front steps or within its own walls. The first of its kind, Hotel Healdsburg offers a romantic getaway for couples and the perfect retreat for executives providing spa treatments, event specialists and private spaces. The highlight, Charlie Palmer's 'Dry Creek Kitchen', serves dishes featuring Sonoma County's freshest ingredients in an open style restaurant. Dine al fresco with 32 of your closest friends under a trellised arbor or sip a morning cappuccino alone by the fireplace.
CHAMBERS
Just off of Fifth Avenue at 56th Street, in one of New York's most exciting upscale retail and fashion districts, is this ultimate modern hotel. Chambers offers its guests the perfect match of cutting edge, cosmopolitan style and an unparalleled service standard. In 72 rooms and five suites, CHAMBERS indulges and caters to its guests, raising hotel life to, literally, an art form. The hotel's public spaces and guests quarters are lined with art. Everywhere one turns, from the spacious rooms to the soaring Lobby to the open, second floor mezzanine-there is inspiration and imagination. The hotel's accommodations are models of refined luxury, with lavish details, apartment-like touches and superior amenities. Two of the one-bedroom suites have oversized terraces with panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline. Hot and cool, discreet yet inviting, downtown in feel but uptown in luxe, CHAMBERS is an elegant retreat, a place for respite that still reflects the energy and electricity of the city.
TOWNHOUSE
Fun, flirty and flipped-out, the Townhouse on South Beach's Collins Avenue and 20th has refined the notion of cheap-chic. A 70-room palace of high-energy, SoBe lifestyle, the hotel was brought to life by owner Jonathan Morr and designer India Mandhavi. Rooms are minimalist, maximising space, with huge sky-blue pillows piled on each bed. L-form couches and oversized poufs invite guests to bring a few friends back from the beach. The hotel's corridors are a place to hang-out and meet up or even check your email, thanks to wireless internet access throughout the building. Soundtracked with the latest Miami tunes, each floor also has its own gym machine and is stocked with comics and magazines. The Townhouse's rooftop terrace ranks among the most original in Miami. Bronzed bodies lounge on queen-sized waterbeds under cardinal-red parasols. A giant glow-in-the-dark tower contains the Townhouse's own waterfall, complete with soothing sounds, making it the hottest and most chilled place to be on the Beach.
CHAMBERS
In the new Chambers, the American Midwest’s Twin Cities have at last acquired their first boutique hotel – and it is one that meets the caliber of its more modern twin, Minneapolis, which often takes daring risks when it comes to creativity. Here, architect David Rockwell’s minimalist design aesthetic – a daring update joining two early 20th-century buildings – creates a perfect backdrop to unusual installation artworks by stellar Young British Artists as well as pieces from local collectors Ralph Burnet’s collection.
THE PARK CHENNAI
Inspired by the traditions of Indian film - glamour, performance and drama - The Park, Chennai was constructed on the former premises of the Gemini Film Studios, ensuring the continuation of years of theater. Extending a typical Tamil welcome in modern form, the hotel's lobby is home to an artwork of lotuses by artist Hemi Bawa. From here guests are beckoned through to the sleek atrium area, where a restful ambience is generated with pale cream lime stone, aqua leather and cocoa velvets. By night though, things are different. Image projections, light and sound transform the atrium in to a hub of activity for Chennai's chic elite. Guestrooms remain havens of calm, with muted colors and gentle lighting. Beech wood floors and frosted glass contrast with more local flavors in the shape of coconut shell inlaid tables and parchment lamps. Original film posters leave a touch of a glorious past in the hotel that reflects a very bright future.
THE PARK BANGALORE
A pristine, white, four-story building in the centre of the city's business district, The Park Bangalore is a leader in its genre. The first property on the sub-continent to grasp lifestyle culture, its 109 rooms reflect Indian ethnicity and international influence, as interpreted by renowned design company, Conran & Partners, UK. The Hotel is an urban retreat in the capital of India's high-tech industry, offering a sensuous design experience. Lifts are decked out in rich black leather, and each floor has its own strong colour theme. Aqua tones dominate the first floor, interspersed with fiery splashes of orange. Lime is prevalent in the next two stories, linked up with royal purple on the second floor and emperor red on the third floor, evoking an abstract mountain, jungle feel. The top floor of The Park is known as The Residence, the most luxurious section of the building, where an abundance of silks, leather and wood in the guestrooms add an extra measure of Eastern opulence. Aquamarine blue and saffron underscore the effect.
THE PARK KOLKATA
An institution in Kolkata, and a landmark in the hub of the city's business area, The Park Kolkata brings together art, entertainment and fine cuisine. Proudly wearing the various traditions of Bengal past and present, the hotel is alive with culture, from elegant modern-colonial spaces, the dynamic, young buzz of its bars and restaurants, and the cool, refined atmosphere of the all-suite 'The Residence' floor. Flushed with artworks, the interior of The Park Kolkata could often be mistaken for a fashionable downtown gallery. Pieces by renowned Indian artists including M. F. Husain, Yusuf Arakkal and Bikash Bhattacharya adorn the public spaces, together with locally crafted bronze and brass sculptures, metal engravings, terracotta and murals. Kantha embroidery panels, an art form specific to Bengal, ensure a strong indigenous flavour, repeating their intricate patterns on cushions and bed spreads. And for guests that need a further reminder of where they are, Saffron, one of the hotel's three restaurants will provide all the culinary clues.
THE PARK NEW DELHI
Updating Indian tradition with modern concepts of air and space, the Park New Delhi is a high-end destination of its own. The hotel was conceived around harmony between man and nature, based on a balance of the elements; that these elements are mixed in a manner redolent both of Indian tradition and modern minimalism is the triumph of designer Sir Terence Conran and Partners. The lobby and public space maintains a cool, breezy feel, sheltered from the world outside by a white-glass façade. In-house restaurants and bars embody another element: Fire serves regional Indian cuisine in an atmosphere of leather and limestone, and the Agni, a watering hole with a 35-foot-long bar and smartly uniformed staff serving old favourites as well as Rose Martinis, Love Junk and other new-fangled drinks. The drinks, however, are just a prelude to the dance floor at the end of the bar.The 224 guestrooms feature contrasting design touches: dark-timbered floors and pastel accents; on the two “Residence” floors, private Jacuzzis and 24-hour butler service live up to the highest standards of Indian hospitality.
ALILA JAKARTA
Conceived as a haven of relaxation and contemporary style, ALiLA Jakarta offers a cool, modern retreat for young urbanites and executives. The hotel's clean, modern lines embrace an abstract-minimalist interior, in keeping with the emergent energy of Jakarta. Aside from ALiLA Jakarta's in-room amenities, the hotel facilities are expectedly extensive. The eclectic Buzz Wine & Dine restaurant serves the best of Japanese, Mediterranean and Asian specialties from an open kitchen while the Space Lounge provides a quiet spot for sipping cocktails. For health and fitness, the Spa@mybodygym fitness center and tropical swimming pool complete the range of leisure services. Executives are well served by the business center and a choice of seven meeting rooms with capacities for up to 500 people. Located centrally, in Jalan Pecenongan, the hotel is near many historical landmarks including the Presidential Palace and the heart of the city's business district.
KEMANG ICON BY ALILA
An urban sanctuary located in the heart of one of the world’s busiest cities, Alila’s Kemang Icon in Jakarta is a study in personalized hotel service. From flavour of aromatherapy room scent to type of bed pillow, guests at this all-suite hotel can chose the hotel amenities that will best suit their individual needs and desires. Meals are prepared to specific culinary preferences, bathrooms are filled with personally-selected accessories and individually-designed rooms are chosen according to personal taste; nothing about the Kemang Icon is formulaic or impersonal. In addition to the eight Courtyard and four Edge Suites, the hotel offers a whole slew of impressive, inviting spaces for guests to enjoy. These include a 16-metre, rooftop infinity pool and sunbathing terrace, a multi-windowed yoga studio offering daily classes and 360-degree skyline views and a rooftop restaurant with alfresco, pool-side dining. At the Thann Sancutary, guests can enjoy a variety of spa and relaxation treatments or steam showers, and for their business needs, a meeting room, theatre and multi-function room are always available for use. Beyond the hotel grounds lie the charming bookshops, galleries and restaurants of Kemang, a chic neighbourhood fast-emerging as Jakarta’s lifestyle centre; in this vibrant quarter, guests can shop, dine and party to their hearts’ content.
ALILA MANGGIS
Head away from the crowds for the unspoilt east coast of Bali to ALiLA Manggis, where modern European shapes meet open, tropical design. Demonstrating creative function, elegant luxury and pure well-being, outdoors meets indoors throughout the resort, comprised of four two-story buildings built around a palm-fringed pool with perfect ocean views, simple forms and Balinese touches. Relax and nurture body and spirit with village temple walks, yoga and Tai Chi. Try your hand at the ALiLA Cooking School, capturing the taste of East Bali, its culture and traditions. Visit water palaces from ancient kingdoms, bike through rice fields and raft down rivers. Climb majestic mountains or dive and discover other worlds. Days at the Alila Manggis are filled with activity and regeneration, pampering at the Spa ALiLA and pursuits by the sea such as discovering East Bali’s legendary dive sites. This is the life, East Bali style.
ALILA UBUD
If you were to rank the 50 most beautiful hotel swimming pools in the world, then the Alila Ubud would be right up there at the top. Moving from the pool bar into the cool depths, the water's surface seems to flow endlessly through the terraced jungle and reach up to the sky. The resort's rooms and suite villas stand above a ravine on stilts like treehouses. The architecture makes use of traditional Balinese design, but it is transformed into a strict modern geometry. Smooth plaster walls and concrete meet with straw roofs; terracotta tiles meet gravel or crushed rock; wood meets glass.
THE ELYSIAN
Part of a growing wave of condominium hotels, the Elysian on Bali provides an island ambience that caters to short- and long-term guests, with extensive attention to detail throughout. Located two minutes from Bali’s white sand beaches, the hotel consists of 26 private villas, each with its own pool. An open pavilion surrounded by water welcomes guests; a 25-meter pool runs the length of the terrace, ending in a trellised waterfall and Balinese temple. The look of The Elysian Design Hotel is “modern Asian”, a combination of traditional proportions with contemporary ambient twists. Stepped pathways meander between tall wispy grasses and groves of banana and traveler’s palms. A sense of openness dominates: walled gardens are bordered by oversized wood-framed sliding windows and doors, creating a fluid and changeable space. Extensive use of teak wood and local stone and marble in a variety of finishes provides a luxurious variety of textures for eye and touch alike. All villas are equipped with broadband Internet and Bose sound systems. But the pleasure is not limited to the indoors: that beach is calling, and the rush bamboo poolside café and bar offer cool, comfortable dining, drinking and snoozing possibilities.
ALILA VILLAS ULUWATU
The ALilA Villas Uluwatu is a cluster of buildings, terraces, pools and gardens located 100 metres above the Indian Ocean on a limestone cliff on Bali’s Bukit Peninsula. Bukit’s dramatic, savannah landscape is the inspiration for the resort’s design and accordingly, the ALiLA Villas Uluwatu achieves a harmony with nature palpable to all who stay there.
UMA UBUD
If you were to rank the 50 most beautiful hotel swimming pools in the world, then the ALiLA Ubud would be right up there at the top. Moving from the pool bar into the cool depths, the water's surface seems to flow endlessly through the terraced jungle and reach up to the sky. The resort's rooms and suite villas stand above a ravine on stilts like treehouses. The architecture makes use of traditional Balinese design, but it is transformed into a strict modern geometry. Smooth plaster walls and concrete meet with straw roofs; terracotta tiles meet gravel or crushed rock; wood meets glass.
PARK HOTEL TOKYO
In a country renowned for its dedication to cutting edge technology and high-paced business, the Park Hotel Tokyo places itself at the core of Japan's new networked generation. Occupying 10 floors of the Shiodome Media Tower in downtown Tokyo, the Park Hotel is an integral element in the 'city in the heart of the city'; a high-rise powerhouse of international media organizations and television companies, combined with elegant metropolitan living.Guestrooms project towards Tokyo's magnificent skyline, connecting guests to the world via broadband internet access, while curved forms and fabric-covered walls cocoon from the maelstrom of activity in the district below. The Park Hotel Tokyo also shows respect for local traditions of nature, translated in the hotel's glass-roofed atrium. A soothing haven of trees and greenery, it stretches between the building's 25th and 34th floors, creating a well of warming sunlight that augments the sensation of balance and vitality fostered by the architecture.
RESONATE CLUB
This magnificent resort is located in the foothills of the Aso Kuju National Park. The Resonate Club aims to bring its guests a renewing experience in an environment full of beautiful flora and fauna. The building has been designed with strong local influences, retaining a simple contemporary design within its guestrooms. Two-tone neutral colors, natural wood floors and high-beamed ceilings reflect the natural setting. The Resonate Club invites its guests to relax in the spa pool, horse ride or play golf in the surrounding area. Dine in the 'Meteor Restaurant' offering delicious western style delicacies.
HOTEL SCREEN KYOTO
A striking example of modern Japanese design, the Kyoto’s Screen Hotel is steps away from both the ancient temples of Termachi-dori (literally, “temple down street”) and the shops and bustling nightlife of the Sanjo and Shijo districts. Fascinating history, chic clothing and exciting cocktails are all within easy reach; there’s something, as the saying goes, for everyone. The same can be said of Screen’s accommodations. Each of the hotel’s 13 guest rooms was individually conceived by a different artist or designer, so that no two guests will have the same experience on any given night. For those in search of a wistful dreamland, Sam Liu’s Softroom is the perfect choice; those seeking a more modern aesthetic will love Hikaru Katai’s dramatic Petit Prince Room for its monochromatic minimalism. Hotel facilities include a banquet hall, spa, chapel, open-air sky lounge and select shop, which sells, amongst other things, traditional Kyoto goods made by local craft artists as well as the Screen’s “soundtrack,” a specially-produced, hotel-inspired compilation album. At the ground-floor restaurant, guests can enjoy Kyoto nouvelle cuisine, a fusion of new French cooking and traditional Kyoto gastronomy, made with fresh, organic ingredients from local growers. And once a week, they can relax at “Candle Night” in the lounge, part of Screen’s energy-saving eco-luxe concept of respecting the environment without forsaking comfort.
THE LALU
The Lalu overlooks a panorama of the mystical Sun Moon Lake and is named after the indigenous Shao aboriginal settlement that was located on its site. Once the favourite summer getaway of President Chiang Kai Shek, the hotel dates back to 1901. Recent renovations and additions by Kerry Hill Architects have resurrected the property to an new international level - a first for this part of the world. The Lalu invites guests to experience an all-suite lifestyle concept, including seven private villas with individual swimming pools, courtyards and pavilions. Complimented by five restaurants and bars serving western and Asian delicacies, The Lalu is a place to relax and enjoy. The hotel's Spa comes with an extensive range of organic treatments. A 60-metre swimming pool and a well-equipped gym are also available. The surrounding region offers authentic cultural exhibits, festivals and events in a unique natural environment. Visit the temples, gardens and pagodas, and experience the beauty of Sun Moon Lake.
EVASON ANA MANDARA & SIX SENSES SPA AT NHA TRANG
Set among 26,000 square meters of tropical gardens, in Nha Trang, the coastal capital of Khanh Hoa Province, is Ana Mandara. This truly authentic Vietnamese resort reflects local traditions through its architecture and amenities from the local woods in the furnishings to the handmade cosmetics in cork-stopped pottery. Enjoy traditional Vietnamese and international cuisine by chef Jim Tawa. Water sports enthusiasts will be kept active throughout the day with an array of choices from diving to sailing and everything in between. Culture seekers can discover the nuances of Vietnam by taking river tours to visit ancient pagodas or by riding cyclos (bicycle-taxis) to congregate with the village locals.
COSTA LANTA
A haven of simple style and luxury without the frills, Costa Lanta shimmers on Klong Dao beach, Lanta Yai Island, in the Thai province of Krabi. Comprised of 20 free-standing, open-box bungalows, the property is intimate and private, protected by a lush natural environment that evokes peacefulness and balance in even the most stressed-out guest. Clean, clear-lined architecture mirror Costa Lanta's commitment to letting Lanta Yai's nature speak for itself. Recycled timber and polished concrete reinforce the design message, blending with the tropical pines. Bedrooms feature retractable walls that can be opened to encourage the sea breezes to enter, and bathrooms are flooded with natural light. Canvas-shaded terraces overlooking a luscious green lawn provide the location for lazy afternoons. Alternatively, kick back at Costa Lanta's loft lounge or beside the infinity pool. A traditional Thai massage, among the fresh aromas of the ocean and forest, completes the revitalising experience.
THE CHEDI PHUKET
Nestled in peaceful seclusion on the island's finest shore is the Chedi Phuket at Pansea Bay. This beach resort, adjacent to the exclusive Amanpuri by the Andaman Sea, is an easy blend of timeless simplicity and modern sophistication. The thatched cottages sit under a shelter of coconut palms on landscaped slopes that gently descend to meet the white sand beach. The rustic serenity of the cottages is reflected in the interior design where panels of woven palm fronds and earthen-colored fabrics bring the outdoors inside.
MUANG KULAYPAN HOTEL
Muang Kulaypan Hotel is Thai life with an avant-garde twist. The two-story, grey hotel has no lobby, but an intriguing sunken meeting area that faces the ocean. Staff glide silently about the hotel in black, soft focus chiffons and silks, serving morsels on dishes edged with ancient Sanskrit. Look to the roof and see sculptures of seven sweet children, sacred objects balanced in their hands. The perfect symbols for innocence, simplicity and joy. Muang Kulaypan Hotel reminds us of the elements that fulfil us, without aspiring to excess.
THE LIBRARY
An elegant minimalist structure set a lush environment on Thailand’s Chaweng Beach in Koh Samui, The Library helps preserve coastal heritage property, while impacting minimally on its ecology. Divided into 26 suite/studio cabins, the complex avoids the monolithic hotel-complex look, scattering discreet buildings in lush vegetation. Each cabin consists of a suite space on the ground floor and a studio upstairs, complete with ocean view. All are within sight of old-growth trees that have been spared the developer’s bulldozer – the hotel’s extensive grounds cover 6400 m2. Designed as an outpost of casual elegance, The Library interiors are finished in a distinctive minimalist style with strong color palates. Studios and suites of this Koh Samui hotel are equipped with personal computer with broadband connection and plasma television; suites include Jacuzzis while studios sport bathtubs with rain showers. Rooms are finished in a bold color scheme that emphasizes red and gray elements against pure white walls and floor space, echoed by the red swimming pool and white library complex. The purity pays off: the old-growth forest and lively beach are there to be enjoyed without distraction.
KIRIMAYA GOLF RESORT SPA
Located just two hours' distance from Bangkok, the Kirimaya is a quiet retreat within the boundaries of the untouched Khao Yai nature resort. The Kirimaya offers a sensual, quiet and naturally elegant definition of space, combining fresh innovative designs and stylish Asian touches with a wealth of natural materials such as silks, and earthy woods. Each of the hotel's 60 rooms and suites commands a magnificent view of unsurpassed greens and mountains. For a truly unique experience, choose one of the four 180m? tented villas, each equipped with private indoor spa pools and deck areas for lounging. A sumptuous dinner is served in the Acala Restaurant, or, if you prefer a more rustic touch, check out the safari chic style T-Grill in the Clubhouse. The Mist Bar, ambiently lit, entices with its cosy atmosphere and selection of creative cocktails.The spa area extends across several indoor and outdoor pavilions aiming to restore your inner and outer harmony with an extensive wellness program consisting of Asian techniques, including yoga. Do not forget to relish in the abundant outdoors, watching wildlife up close or taking up the challenge of the beautiful golf course designed by Jack Niklaus.
X2 KUI BURI
Situated on eight acres of virgin beachfront on the Gulf of Thailand, the X2 Kui Buri is unfussy yet luxurious, down-to-earth, yet upscale. The resort is meant to harmonize with its surroundings of undisturbed greenery and tranquil fishing villages, enabling guests to appreciate the peaceful delights of nature while simultaneously enjoying all the luxuries of resort life. To that effect, the X2 is laid out on an open plan dotted with spacious public areas so that guests are constantly navigating around and reminded of the environment around them. Common spots include a large swimming pool, spa, “4K” fusion-cuisine restaurant, late-night bar and roof terrace overlooking the glistening Gulf waters. Winding pathways are arranged in maze-like formation so that to turn a corner is to experience an exciting, new view, and lighting throughout the resort is soft and hidden, so that everything is illuminated in a surprising, unobvious way. The twenty-three villas all come with private terrace, garden and pool, most of them directly on the beachfront with uninterrupted sea views. Villa walls are made of locally-quarried rock and stone, a design choice inspired by the seasonal appearance of sea pebbles along the local beach each winter. The result is that the structural wall of one villa appears, from its neighbour’s point of view, as a fence. Thanks to this “invisible design,” villas are private without being isolated by fences or hedges. Within, beds are positioned towards floor-to-ceiling glass doors that open onto the beach, and clean, understated furniture – predominately pale wood or sleek black, white and grey – adds to the resort’s overall atmosphere of unpretentious sophistication.
THE METROPOLITAN
A peaceful retreat in the middle of one of Bangkok’s most bustling neighbourhoods, the Metropolitan Hotel is perfect for those in search of both relaxation and high-class, cosmopolitan living. The hotel’s modern, East-meets-West design encapsulates this dualism, featuring calm, Zen-like spaces in equal measure with sleek, sophisticated ones. Ample volumes are a key facet of the Metropolitan’s design. Nor will any of their business needs go unmet; the Metropolitan offers a Business Centre, secretarial services, hotel-wide wireless Internet, three state-of-the-art event rooms and a Personal Meeting Butler to ensure worry-free proceedings. But don’t be fooled: the Metropolitan isn’t all work and no play. Quite to the contrary, its restaurants and bar offer exquisite cuisine and an exciting nightlife. At headline restaurant Cy’an, Executive Chef Daniel Moran serves Moorish, seafood-centric meals made with fresh produce and well-sourced ingredients. And when the sun goes down, they can head to the chic Met Bar, where London-trained “mixologists” serve delicious cocktails and international DJs play lounge sounds from around the world; like its sister bar on London’s Park Lane, The Met is for guests and members only. The hotel also offers an array of wellness areas and services, including a yoga studio, fully-equipped gym, hydro pool and 20-metre outdoor pool, as well as a COMO Shambhala Urban Escape spa.
ALILA CHA-AM
Nestled in a charming coastal town on the Gulf of Thailand, the Alila Villas Cha-Am blends seamlessly into its tranquil surroundings. White sand beaches, leafy palm trees and azure waters provide the backdrop for this tropical getaway, and the resort’s maze of interconnected pathways, private terraces and courtyards incorporates as much of this natural beauty as possible. The Alila Villas’ 59 guest rooms are intimate hideaways featuring large open spaces, unobstructed ocean views, private terraces and hammocks, rain showers, LCD flat panel Apple TVs, iPods, Bose speakers and wireless Internet access. The ultimate sanctuaries are the seven pool villas, which come with an additional private pool and garden. Wedding facilities, two 30-square-metre board rooms and a partitionable 200 square-metre ballroom are available for guest use, as are the Spa Alila, Chill Pool and special relaxation and wellness zone. For leisure and fun, guests can enjoy nature walks, kayak tours, mountain bike rides, water sports, cultural sight-seeing, culinary instruction or golf at one of the eight, internationally-acclaimed courses near the resort. The Alila Villas Cha-Am also offers a range of dining options: the poolside Motion restaurant serves international and Thai cuisine all day long, the rooftop Clouds Loft features Mediterranean fine dining, the Red Bar provides healthy snacks by day and Lebanese-infused tapas by night, and complimentary high tea is served every afternoon.
NEW MAJESTIC HOTEL
The “New Asia” style of hospitality finds one of its most rarefied expressions in the New Majestic, located in the heart of Singapore’s Chinatown. An open-concept period-inspired lobby shows the imaginative possibilities of this marriage of old and new, or “heritage chic”, as the hotel calls its particular design savvy, which also takes into account its period furniture dating from the 1920s to the 1960s. Individually designed rooms, 30 in all, continue the mix of vintage and designer furniture, customized baths, and can include private gardens and six-meter ceilings in attic-style suites. Five rooms have also been personalized by some of Singapore’s most influential talents from cinema, theatre and fashion. Every detail from bedding - the New Majestic calls it a ‘bedscape’ - to bathroom - freestanding copper tubs - has been re-imagined. Some rooms feature floor to ceiling mirrors; others feature aquarium-themed transparent bathrooms. Back downstairs, The Majestic Restaurant is a sleek reinterpretation of one of Singapore’s favourite Chinese dining rooms and serves modern Cantonese cuisine.
FLORIS SUITE HOTEL
The Floris Suite Hotel has, since its opening in August 2001, set new standards in lifestyle hospitality for Curacao. Perfectly located in the south Caribbean, the island is part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and boasts an eclectic mix of history and culture. Curacao is also known for its beaches and pristine diving conditions. At the Floris Suite Hotel, designer Jan des Bouvrie, successfully combines Dutch colonial style with Caribbean temperament. His modern translation of classic comfort is displayed throughout the property's 71 suites, in clear lines with an exotic touch. Each of the hotel's 32 Royal and 39 Junior Suites has its own private patio, where guests can enjoy breakfast al fresco in the warm, island breezes. Another oasis can be found in the lush tropical garden, designed by Diana Henriques de Fernandez, where shady pathways and an open-air restaurant invite you to stay for a while and contemplate a dip in the hotel's large swimming pool, situated in the center of this ambrosial playground.
LALUNA
Laluna is a discreet, romantic hideaway quietly nestled on ten acres of untouched land. Totally secluded, Laluna's surroundings are only the emerald green sea and hills and a pristine white sand beach. Gabriella Giuntoli has combined traditional Caribbean materials in a minimalist style with Indonesian elements throughout the enclave of 16 cottages. Warm natural tones and sensual textures heighten the sense of intimacy in Laluna. Sitting areas have overstuffed pillows encouraging private conversations. Inviting colors of warm cinnamon, sienna and sunkissed yellow perfectly frame the blues and greens of the landscape. This picture-perfect view can be soaked in while lounging on private king-sized beds opened onto expansive verandahs with natural cotton drapery. If the exclusively hand made soaps and lotions from a monastery in the Italian Alps haven't kept you from venturing out, partake in a special dinner with romantic views of the bay and popular Italian wines - or for the more well-behaved, a sunset meditation class.
ROCKHOUSE HOTEL
The Rockhouse Hotel, stretching across the cliffs of Pristine Cove in Negril, comprises of 20 thatch roofed, octagonal villas of timber and stone and 15 more traditional style hotel rooms hidden amongst a jungle of exotic gardens. Lazy ceiling fans and large four-poster beds with mosquito netting reflect the laid back atmosphere. The cliffside freshwater pool was carved from solid rock, as were the ladders and stairs that lead down into Pristine Cove for swimming and snorkelling. The wood-hewn terraced restaurant and bar offers some of the best food in Negril, through a new more modern interpretation of traditional Jamaican cuisine, featuring the flavourful spice of curries and the sweetness of tropical fruits. The restaurant, suspended directly over the water, makes it one of the best places to watch the sun go down. The new Rockhouse Spa, featuring the cliff edge Caribbean Drench cabana, offers a full range of body and beauty treatments and Yoga in their new Yoga room overlooking the sea.The premium villas, constructed over the water on the cliffs edge with westward, sunset views, are individual thatch roofed cottages offering spacious, wrap around, private terraces, private outdoor showers open to the skies and sliding glass doors providing great vistas of Pristine Cove.
AUGARTEN HOTEL
Augarten Hotel's glass and metal structure makes looking out just as easy as peering in. This strong framework and transparent flow has made the hotel a landmark and also a center for the formation and exchange of ideas. An elegant eclecticism bonds art and design. Works from 30 different artists are displayed throughout the hotel, alongside furniture by Cappellini and Ligne Roset, enveloping guests in creativity and encouraging the original. From the light fish and fresh vegetables used in the restaurant to the unrivalled view across Graz, the European City of Culture for 2003, from the roof-top terrace, both intellect and soul are taken care of at the Augarten Hotel.
HOTEL DANIEL
In the centre of Graz, within a few minutes’ walk from the historic old town, the convention centre, and the Kunsthaus, the Daniel is a lively, fresh and artistic landmark on the map of the former European City of Culture. Designed by Berlin-based designer Werner Aisslinger, the hotel with its 101 stylishly furnished guestrooms bears his functional, yet highly intelligent and innovative signature. The result: both the warm and authentic touch of the region is captured whilst meeting the demands of the young and well-travelled culture aficionado.With a large public area adaptable for events, an internet corner and a meeting room for up to 70, all your business needs are easily taken care of at the Daniel. Appealing to guests that maintain a spontaneous lifestyle, the bar and restaurant area is cheerfully open plan, providing ample opportunity to mingle and interact with the local scene. While the breakfast terrace, the fireside lounge and the library cater amply for the more leisurely at heart, the Espresso Bar with tapas counter offers guests a flexible range of modern cuisine before hopping onto one of the Daniel “Vespa” mopeds for a self-guided tour of Graz.
DAS TRIEST
With the opening of Das Triest in 1995, Vienna finally had its own hip hotel centerpiece a sharp contrast to the city's charming, late 19th-century Art Nouveau architecture. A former coach station on the route from Vienna to Trieste, renovation converted the property into a unique, luxury design hotel. The interior architecture by Sir Terence Conran results in an overall unity which is warm and inviting. It is accompanied by a carefully chosen tailored selection of furnishing materials. The hotel's 72 rooms immediately convey to guests a sense of Viennese flair through their lovely design. The suites boast up to 70 square meters of living space and are so popular that they have already become an insider tip within an everwidening circle of design hotel enthusiasts.
DO & CO HOTEL
DO & CO started as Attila Dogudan’s Viennese empire of restaurants and luxury catering, but now includes an architecturally adventurous and sybaritic hotel experience in downtown Vienna. Located across from St. Stephen’s Cathedral, the Haas Haus building was designed by Pritzker-prize winner Hans Hollein; later, in an unusual move, it was retrofitted to its present incarnation by Hollein himself. The same attention to detail that carried Attila Dogudan from local restaurateur to international food celebrity has been applied to the hotel. Four floors of the steel-and-glass building have been transformed into 44 unique cone-shaped guestrooms offering majestic views of Stephansplatz, Graben and the Kärtnerstrasse. Extravagant accommodations feature teak woodwork and stone integrated into a futuristic vision of modern design. Bathrooms offer two-square-meter showers, private fitness equipment and flat-screen televisions. The building’s upper floors are dominated by the hotels’ fine restaurants, including a lounge, roof garden and culinary “temple”, an exclusive pavilion with seating for 12. The DO & CO restaurant features Viennese staples as well as fine sushi and sashimi and a high-end kebab corner, fulfilling the modern mission of this sleek building.
THE LEVANTE PARLIAMENT
Historically modern: the Levante Parliament takes a 1908 Viennese Bauhaus building as its home, reminding us that design didn’t just start yesterday. Situated in central Vienna behind Austria’s Parliament building, the hotel’s 74 guestrooms and suites are complemented by a gallery and photographic installation, as well as extensive structural glasswork by Ioan Nemtoi. Conceptually based around the four elements, the hotel is given an airy feeling by its 400 m2 central courtyard. Abundant use of stone throughout public spaces as well as bathrooms, and a general continuity of materials including glass, chrome and dark wood, complement the classic Modernist design and allow flexibility. Glass is especially on display in the Nemtoi restaurant and bar, where a unique glass bar provides a spectacular centerpiece, complementing modern fusion cuisine ranging from tandoori chicken over oysters to more classical dishes like Wienerschnitzel. The usual panoply of fitness options are available as well as sauna and massage facilities, with flatscreen televisions with satellite access in guestrooms. An instant old friend, the Levante Parliament shows that the modern never goes out of style.
MAVIDA BALANCE HOTEL & SPA
Flowing privacy is the dominant motif of Austria’s Mavida, located near Lake Zell amongst alpine peaks. A modern building for which a new balanced environment has been created that places the guest at the centre of attention at all times. The hotel features large rooms, warm tones, clean lines and natural fibres and materials and, best of all, beds in the middle of the room. Taking advantage of the seamless flow from room to balcony through floor-length windows and glass door, guests feel fully part of the mountain landscape, while the deluxe spa perfects the sense of wellbeing.
WINE & SPA RESORT LOISIUM HOTEL
Designed by noted American architect Stephen Holl, this wine-world center is already attracting its own pilgrims, drawn not only to its spectacular look but also to its unique concept: a spa for wine lovers. Set amidst newly erected vineyards, the Loisium plunges its guests into the world of wine at every level, from its interior cork motif to “vinotherapy”, a selection of treatments involving grape and wine products. The 82-room hotel itself seems to float above air, as a glass ground-floor complex including a rock pool and a larger swimming pool give way to a solid first and second floor. (The Loisium is also an Aveda Destination Spa, with the full range of Aveda spa offerings.) Design reigns supreme in the public spaces and guestrooms, including the lobby’s “Kiesler Eck”, a display of furnishings created for Peggy Guggenheim in 1942 and available as recreations produced by the modern Wittmann Carpentry Workshop. It all sits atop the 900-year-old vaults that give the property its name; a tour is the ideal precursor to a wine-themed meal in the hotel’s spectacular restaurant.
ALMYRA HOTEL
Pafos, Cyprus, is the legendary birthplace of Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of beauty, born from the foaming waves of its shores. Almyra, meaning 'taste of the sea', brings its own beauty to Pafos, transforming the resort experience and adding a contemporary flavour to a historical town.Simple, practical and understated, the 158 guestrooms at Almyra - all of which have either Mediterranean or garden views - are about style and convenience. With a careful eye towards enriching the family holiday experience, the hotel has extra facilities for children, and many of the spacious rooms are suitable for sharing. Indeed, one of the Almyra's two pools is designed specifically for younger guests, and both are heated in winter. Savour Greek specialities at the hotel's three restaurants, including a traditional 'Ouzeri', and freshly caught fish at 'Mosaics'. In the evenings, capture one of Cyprus' blazing sunsets from the terrace of the Helios bar, and dream of the next day on this mystical island.
HOTEL JOSEF
Located near the old Jewish 'Josefov' quarter, the two houses that form Hotel Josef, one called Orange, the other Pink, are a chilled-out counterpoint to Prague's active, urban lifestyle. Designed around a peaceful landscaped courtyard, the hotel offers a choice of thoughtfully designed functional rooms in the core of the city. Eva Jiricna's award-winning design is a thoroughly contemporary statement, building on a great 20th century tradition of modern Czech design. As architect of some of the most innovative interiors in London, Paris and New York, Jiricna brings a highly crafted approach to state-of-the-art materials that create a unique setting in one of Europe's historic centers. Stone-clad bathrooms with glass partition walls add a sense of style to the comfortable bedrooms, fully equipped with efficient communications facilities and the latest technology. A business center and a gymnasium complement the sophisticated environment of Hotel Josef that has already become a major feature in Prague's growing business and tourist economy.
THE THREE SISTERS HOTEL
An intriguing nest of chambers, walkways, secret staircases and galleries, The Three Sisters Hotel in Tallinn, Estonia, is one-of-a-kind in every respect. Twenty-three rooms, each one unique in its furnishings and layout, are found in the three interconnecting, 14th-Century houses that form the hotel and give it its name. A two-year renovation has breathed new life into the historic property, bringing contemporary design into its ancient walls, and highlighting its centuries of organic growth. Original elements, such as an intricate ceiling fresco, discovered by accident under 14 layers of paint and wallpaper, have been painstakingly restored and now add their own character to the property again. Contrasted with internationally designed furniture and sleek, marble and granite bathrooms, The Three Sisters is an exceptional example of a modern classic. Situated on Pikk Street in Tallinn's Old Town, just 10 minutes from the international airport, The Three Sisters Hotel marks a new standard for hospitality in the Baltic states.
CASA DEL MAR
In two hectares of private landscape, facing the bay of Porto-Vecchio on Corsica's spectacular south coast, the Hotel Casa del Mar is a hotel of fine luxury and elegant leisure, heralding the start of a new jet-set era for the island. The hotel's exceptional views of the Mediterranean are framed in clear-lined architectural forms that highlight the Hotel Casa del Mar's priviledged location. This sleek simplicity is further underscored by the use of natural grey stone throughout the hotel, large red cedar terraces and contrasting, lively fabrics. The result is a hotel full of light, with an atmosphere of calm and ease. Wellness plays a major role at the Hôtel casadelmar, and their spa illustrates this. Four massage cabins, a hammam, gym and relaxation rooms are all available in an area dominated by wide vistas of the sea. A private beach, yacht mooring and heated outdoor infinity pool brings the Mediterranean even closer.
ARTUSHOTEL
Located in the heart of Saint Germain des Prés, the recently renovated Artus Hotel captures the unique character of modern Paris; paying homage to contemporary style yet remaining rooted to the past. Authentic, unique artworks catch the eye in each of the loft-like guestrooms, and only exquisite natural materials such as stucco, marble and Murano glass were used in the hotel’s construction. Luxurious yet never ostentatious, the Artus lives and breathes the aesthetic and cultural atmosphere of la rive gauche.
HOTEL BEL AMI
A journey to Paris always conjours up thoughts of good food, but a stay at the boutique Hotel Bel Ami is like a visit to a sublime visual ice cream shop. All the best flavours are cleanly and simply presented, from rich chocolate sofas in the pistachio reception to the coffee colored throws in the guestrooms and the caramel stools in the espresso bar. The newly opened breakfast room supplies guests with the best possible start to the day. A buffet of freshly baked breads and croissants, fruits and preserves awakens the senses of those who spent a little too long in the funky mosaic bar the night before. After breakfast, check your emails and arm yourself with the latest news and information at one of the hotel's 2 complimentary internet stations, or make use of the Hotel Bel Ami's convenient and user-friendly wireless internet connection.Their brand new business area features a large meeting room for up to 80 persons, fully equipped with the latest in conference technology. A private and convenient Business Center also includes all necessary computer equipment.
KUBE ROOMS AND BARS
Tucked into a tiny, quiet street at the summit of Paris’ Montmartre is a retro-future hotel that defies the classical clichés of Paris, fitting rather into a Jacques Tati vision of modernity. Kube combines a resolutely geometric sense of architecture, as its name suggests, with a 1960s sci-fi theme in its furnishings and décor, producing a feast for the eyes and senses. Behind a Haussmanian façade, a glowing Plexiglass cube serves as reception area, reminiscent of I.M. Pei’s pyramids in the Louvre’s courtyard. A cavernous lobby-cum-restaurant-cum-bar serves as the heart of the hotel, a futuristic, low-lit space with high ceilings, stainless steel accents and a state-of-the-art-sound system camouflaged in red ceiling lanterns. The ultra-trendy “Ice Kube” bar on the mezzanine features Aeero Aarnio’s 1968 “Bubble Chairs” and a vodka-only drinks menu. On the other hand, the 31 guestrooms and 10 suites, arranged around an open courtyard, provide a counterbalancing warmth, with high colour contrast, faux-fur accents and bean-bag chairs as well as beds lit from beneath, giving a slightly unearthly edge to the warmth. Biometric fingerprint technology controls room access. The overall effect is of an oddly comfy space capsule, a fun version of the future.
LA RÉSERVE PARIS
The ultimate French take on modernist luxury, La Réserve is located on Paris’s monumental Art Deco Place du Trocadero with spectacular hilltop views of the city, including the Eiffel Tower. A cinematic take on 1930s elegance, it features a highly contrasting palette of beiges and black, setting off soaring ceilings and, in public spaces, double windows that are significantly taller than guests. Far from a normal hotel, however, La Réserve Paris also functions as a longer-term getaway or home, with ten apartments in duplex and even triplex formations providing every luxury. Furnishings and furniture include Varenna kitchens and Flos, Vitra and Flexform seating and lamps. The 10 apartments range from 150 to 300 square meters (with 1,2,3 or 4 bedrooms) and include valet parking, extensive concierge service and high-tech amenities and business services. Pampering services are also on offer to round out the paradisiacal experience to be had deep in the noble 16th arrondissement, with easy access to the city’s highest-end shops and restaurants.
HOTEL SEZZ
Hotel Sezz is a haute-design mecca that places extraordinary emphasis on service. The luxury hotel enjoys a sweeping view of the Eiffel tower from its hillside location across the Seine; its intimate interiors, with colour schemes calculated to echo Paris’ basic palette of beige stone, gray slate and blue-gray sky, offer a significant update on high-end French hospitality. The Sezz has become a fixture on international travel magazines’ Top 10 lists thanks to its design sharpness and intensely personal service, starting with the lack of reception desk: a “personal butler” takes care of guests’ needs from the moment they enter the hotel, welcoming them with a drink. Hotel Sezz interiors feature a comeback for chrome and leather in its 27 guestrooms (including 14 suites). Beds made of those two materials, chrome tables, red leather seating, glass chandeliers by Mazzega, and tubs for two, all contribute to a sharp-edged design feeling that harkens back to over-the-top decades past. The bar downstairs offers alcoves in the shape of rose petals, as well as the first Veuve Cliquot bar in Paris, open from after breakfast until late. It all adds up to high-design indulgence that is steeped in its romantic locale.
BLEIBTREU
A creative atmosphere and vivid blue bring the rhythm of Berlin into Bleibtreu. Classic elegance and a modern, ecological philosophy are combined, drawn from local trends. This is reflected throughout the hotel with furniture made from untreated oak, virgin wool carpets, handles made of natural, semi-precious stones and environmentally friendly paints. Ride in the elevator that rises to the fifth floor and pass through the branches of a grand chestnut tree. This is a chemical free environment, unless you count the caffeine packed espressos or the adrenaline on the Kurfürstendamm, Berlin's exclusive shopping district. The hotel underwent a complete renovation in the Summer of 2004 and celebrated it's tenth anniversary in 2005.
THE MANDALA HOTEL
On Berlin's exhilarating Potsdamer Platz, The Mandala Hotel is about purist luxury and elegant style. The hotel's 166 suites are renowned for their sleek design and functionality; it's no wonder that one in five guests stays for longer than four weeks. Rather than self-indulgence, the Mandala understands luxury to be about an authentic joie de vivre, expressed through inspirational interiors and genuinely courteous service. Space is a key factor for the uncomplicated atmosphere of the Mandala, where suites offer between 40m2 and 100m2 of living room. Full of technical details, discretely integrated into the room's design, the needs of both business and leisure travellers are met. The Mandala's hip QIU lounge and FACIL restaurant have become destinations in themselves for Berlins socialites, bringing hotel guests into contact with the local glitterati. Work off that last martini at Mandala's 11th floor fitness lounge and wellness spa, where massages and work-outs come with a view across the rooftops of Berlin.
LUX 11
Situated in Berlin's pulsating and hip central district of Mitte, amidst creative and chic fashion shops, galleries, trendy media agencies and a myriad of culinary locations, the 72-apartment Lux 11 opened on July 1st 2005. The renowned London-based architect team, Silvestrin/Salmaso, has elegantly fused this stylishly modern structure with its historic setting. With interiors oriented towards hospitality, spaciousness and comfort, the Lux 11's open-plan guest rooms and public spaces provide natural scenery in tones of Chinese green for the gleaming bleached wood furniture and fittings.The ground floor of this Berlin Hotel, with its up-to-the-minute video installations of the surrounding neighbourhood, is a vibrant place for guests and locals to hang out and meet up. The in-house beauty salon & spa allows for various degrees of styling before heading out into the fray. Opened in 2006, a roomy bustling hip restaurant and chill-out bar with Italian-Asian fusion cuisine provides guests on the hop with fresh, fast, and healthy dishes. True to Mitte's pronounced café culture, the Lux 11 offers its own cosy café/lounge for whiling away the afternoon. A vibrant and inviting space, Lux 11 is the place to stay for an authentic Berlin experience.
25HOURS HOTEL
Dynamic, surprise, seduction and liveliness are the basic elements of the style concept at 25hours Hotel in Hamburg. An answer to the demands of creative, metropolitan nomads, 25hours serves the consumer and communications needs of First Movers with its dynamic design aesthetic, an extraordinary service model and an extensive entertainment programme. A consistent orientation towards current trends in design and moderate nightly rates appeals to guests that maintain a spontaneous lifestyle. For young and young-at-heart creatives above all, the property has already become the preferred location for a stop-over in Hamburg. Creating a wholly communicative atmosphere, the open areas of 25hours have taken on a special role, modelled to form the backdrop for a permament get-together. Lobby and restaurant flow into each other and lead guests over the lounge bar into a large, flexible meeting and event area. In guestrooms, the bright design mix drawn from the 60's and 70's is studded with playful details that are regularly updated.
EAST
An exclusive hotel in the centre of Hamburg's entertainment district, EAST is dedicated to style, relaxation and everything that makes life fun. Designed by Chicago-based Jordan Mozer, the hotel bears his extravagant signature, displaying a penchant for futuristic, curving forms and light, bright tones. EAST offers 78 rooms, lofts and suites, ranging in size from 25m2 to 90m2, each dashingly furnished with bespoke furniture by Mozer. Situated in a former iron foundry, EAST's restaurant features a courtyard terrace for al-fresco dining. Named 'Yakshi's Bar & Lounge', this space has become a centrepoint for the cream of Hamburg's cosmopolitan crowd, attracted by its cool sounds and Asian-influenced cuisine. The roof terrace of EAST provides an arena for pleasure, but of a more low-key nature. With sauna and massage, this part of EAST is the place to regenerate after late nights on the 'Kiez'.
GASTWERK HOTEL
Gastwerk Hotel in Hamburg is built in a former municipal gasworks building, and its name alludes to both the previous and present function of the property. The imposing industrial shell from 1896 is now integrated within a modern hotel with a loft-style ambience. North German cool is embodied here with quiet places to read, write and relax in. Oversized chairs, light natural colors and soothing textures soften the rough industrial structure, giving its once purely functional form new life. After reconstructions in 2002 and 2006 Gastwerk Hotel has extended its capacity with new business rooms and Penthouse Suites. The 'new' rooms are designed with the finest walnut wood trimmings, warm lighting, high casement windows and exposed cement walls, in contrast to the 'old' rooms with conserved original brick walls and windows. Natural light has been flooded in to give the hotel energy and vibrancy. Gastwerk Hotel has transformed an industrial monument into a new creative center. A source of renewable energy for years to come.
SIDE
The SIDE hotel has become a symbol for Hamburg. Architect Jan Störmer's 12-story tower, with its breathtaking facade combining glass and natural stone, offers guests unrivalled views of the Hanseatic city from its top eight floors. The SIDE's futuristic architecture is complimented with interiors by Matteo Thun, where minimalism and reduction form the main themes and colours add energy and life. The hotel's 178 guestrooms convey a sense of well-being, openess and warmth, while the atrium-style lobby lives with illuminated installations created by New York-based light choreographer Robert Wilson, offering an exceptional aesthetic experience. SIDE also creates intimate space for its guests, with lounges tucked away for private conversation. Continue to the fusion restaurant, tempting with a bite of Eurasian cuisine while a live DJ spins the mood. Then, if the mood strikes you, ride the lift to the 8th floor terrace for a 360° view of the skyline, as night turns into day.
THE PURE
Based on the principles of flowing space characteristic of lofts, Frankfurt’s The Pure is a study in monochromatic relief from urban stress. The lobby, breakfast room, bar and lounge form one continuous space known as the “Living Room”. White leather, Thassos marble, white lacquer and light grey flooring act both as design statements and as calmatives, creating a virtually distraction-free visual environment.Conceived to highlight the natural rhythms of the day, The Pure’s lighting and music mutate from morning to night: morning features soft illumination and music to create calm, while at night the energy is bumped up by a vibrant orange-themed lighting scheme. The Pure Patio, outfitted in Timbertech decking, features oversized beanbags lounging areas, fountains, bamboo, and stairs designed for sitting and conversation, rather than climbing. Guestrooms continue the theme of openness, with minimalist lines and easy-on-the-eyes light fabrics, oak parquet and partial-glass bathrooms. However minimalist in concept, the execution is a relaxing, warm environment where guests can concentrate on what really matters.
GOLDMAN 25HOURS
A repurposed hotel in Frankfurt’s bustling Ostend district, the Goldman 25hours applies nightclub principles to a hotel, resulting in a flowing, funky space that works both as a hideaway and a local hotspot. Ari Goldman, the visionary force behind much of Frankfurt’s nightlife, oversaw the conversion of the old Henninger Hofes hotel complex to an open space where lounge, French restaurant, “living room” and bar flow in and out of each other, giving a constant low-level buzz of activity that soothes and stimulates. The 49 guestrooms are stacked on 7 color-themed floors, all variations on a basic plan: high-quality basic materials and rectilinear design, with floors by Object Carpet and a mix of vintage tapestry and modern wall treatments. Frankfurt-based Designer’s House is responsible for furnishings, including lamps from Flos and furnishings by Swedish design firm Snowcrash. Goldman’s Restaurant & Bar provides the perfect social outlet, with the in-house version of happy hour – Pastis from cinq a sept – as well as a French-influenced menu that has already put the hotel on the map.
GERBERMUEHLE
Opening 15 July 2007Built as a flour mill in the 1520s, the Gerbermuehle is, however, better known as the summer residence of Goethe. Since the early 1900s it has been a popular tavern and will soon reopen with a new hotel wing that comprises 19 guestrooms and suites. The Gerbermuehle is a well established waterside retreat from which to enjoy views back to the skyline of Frankfurt’s financial district. More information will be available soon.
ROOMERS
Opening September 2008. Once upon a time, the structure that now houses the Roomers hotel in Frankfurt was home only to offices. When these closed, the building stood empty for a long time before architectural firm Grübel and Romanian designer Oana Rosen got their hands on it, transforming it into a sleek and imposing triumph of modern hotel design.
HOTEL MAURITZHOF MÜNSTER
In the heart of Münster, just a few steps from the historic town centre, lies the multifunctional HOTEL MAURITZHOF MÜNSTER. The MAURITZHOF provides a private ambiance with all the advantages of a world-class business travel venue, combining a design that is practical down to the last detail, and service that promises never to say no. A sheltered work environment or a place to unwind, the hotel's individually designed, 32 rooms and 7 suites all feature high-grade natural woods and a palette of harmonious colours to calm and soothe. Light blues, shades of white and comforting brown and beige tones emphasize the no-fuss forms of the interior design. Bright, naturally-lit public spaces create arenas for conversation and interaction between the hotel's guests, and the convention centre is the optimum location for innovative, creative meetings.
BECKER’S HOTEL & RESTAURANT
For a taste of German-wine-country hospitality, Becker’s Hotel is the place to go. Surrounded by the rolling hills and flourishing vineyards of the Mosel region, the hotel lies in a picturesque valley in the ancient city of Trier. Though not far from the restaurants, shops and Roman monuments of central Trier, Becker’s lies in the almost-rural Olewig district, a location befitting its country kitchen and cosy design. The self-professed heart of Becker’s is the kitchen; for a hotel rooted in five generations of family tradition, it’s not surprising that the warm hearth is a focal point for hotel life. In fact, there are two hearths: a fancy, gourmet restaurant that earned an impressive one star in the Michelin Guide and 17 points in Gault Millau, and a more low-key affair at Becker’s Weinhaus. A sophisticated wine bar with a cosmopolitan feel serves regional, international and Becker’s own wines as well as a variety of snacks and cocktails, while a lounge and library area features a pleasant fireplace and comfortable seating. The nine double rooms and nine suites of Becker’s Hotel and 14 double rooms of the Weinhaus boast dark wood floors and low spot lighting, and all come with Internet, mini-bar, safe and telephone. A gym, sauna and two event rooms are also available for guest use.
CERÊS AM MEER
The CERÊS AM MEER is perfectly located on the seaside of the Baltic sea resort of Binz, on the German island of Rügen. The hotel is located on the liveliest spot of the beach promenade within Ruegen's most famous and vibrant resort town. Nestled up against the white sand beaches of Rügen, Germany's most popular island destination, the CERÊS AM MEER overlooks azure Baltic waters and bustling beach life. The hotel's cool colours, clean lines and airy spaces serve as elegant counterpoints to the lively promenade on which it stands, while its generous French windows and black-stone furniture celebrate the island's natural beauty. Equipped with king-sized beds and ample balconies, the 50 rooms and suites of the CERÊS make luxurious short-term homes both for those in search of quiet retreat and those eager for an activity-filled vacation.
LIFE GALLERY ATHENS
An elegant glass facade in the north Athens suburb of Ekali will announce one's arrival at the Life Gallery. The imposing architectural structure shelters within it an oasis of peace and luxury where the style is acutely modern, but classic values are still maintained. The Life Gallery's glass exterior mirrors a green environment of extensive gardens, where guests will be able to find two pools, spacious sundecks and outdoor terraces. All 30 rooms, studios and suites are sleekly designed in earth tones and open-plan layouts that are complemented by views of the nearby Mount Parnes and Mount Penteli. The well-being of Life Gallery's guests will also be cared for at the hotel's extensive 'Ananea' spa. Yoga and meditation treatments are available to soothe and rejuvenate, as well as a vitality pool, sauna and hammam, mud treatments and raindrops therapy. Whether on business or a cultural break, the Life Gallery will make sure its discerning guests see a new side of Athens.
SEMIRAMIS
In a city known for its ancient past, the Semiramis is a hotel of the future. Facing a tranquil green park in the Kifissia area of north Athens, the hotel is the creation of designer, Karim Rashid, well-known for his fluid, soft style that mingles rounded forms with bright, lively colours. The Semiramis is no exception to this; all its 52 guestrooms and public areas carry Rashid's distinctive signature. Light pinks and greens, oranges and subtle yellows are reproduced in walls, floors, furnishings and fittings for an energetic atmosphere. Frosted-glass bathrooms make for extra space and daylight. Balconies and verandas offer pool or park views. To help the Semiramis' global guests stay in touch with the world or the office - internet TVs complete with cordless keyboards come as standard. For more local interaction, guests can check out the hotel's two-level restaurant and bar, where the modern Greek, European and international flavours of the menu are mirrored in the cosmopolitan blend that make up the Semiramis' clientele.
FRESH HOTEL
Amidst the sizzling hustle and bustle of downtown Athens, the Fresh Hotel is nothing short of a spacious and calm sanctuary, allowing its guests to attain an instantaneous state of inner well-being in an environment of clear stylish lines and vivid yet balanced colors. At the onset of the summer season 2004, the sleek, 133-room Fresh Hotel came into being, adding a hip – and yes, fresh – location with subtle, state-of-the-art contemporary lifestyle design to the diversity of the city's hotel and nightlife scene.All of the Fresh Hotel's rooms are designed in the same rejuvenating brightly colored style so characteristic of the area, including the Magenta Restaurant and the elegant Orange Bar serving fresh-from-the-market “nouveau grec” menus. Being a sanctuary, the Fresh Hotel will of course provide even the most demanding of guests with ample opportunity to relax and tend to the wellness of both body and soul with exquisite fitness and spa areas, the latter offering you a wide array of relaxation possibilities, including sauna, Turkish bath and massage. The epitome of luxurious lounge culture and style, however, is the Air Lounge Roof Bar, inviting you to chill out next to the pool, with Athen's Acropolis directly in view.
MYKONOS THEOXENIA
The Mykonos Theoxenia Hotel has ranged among the top cosmopolitan locations on the Aegean for over forty years. The unique exterior has recently been complemented by a discreetly luxurious 60s glam interior-design makeover, both recreating the hotel's original strong identity while communicating a powerfully modern design statement. Set against a dramatic stage of azure seascapes, the 52-room Mykonos Theoxenia, including a number of deluxe rooms and suites is a sensual world of its own.For the creative retreat, “the board” – light-filled and inspiring – seats 40 and provides state-of-the-art facilities. You can enjoy gourmet Mediterranean cuisine at “the plate” on the waterfront terrace admiring the spectacularly beautiful sunset over the Aegean. Relax at the “bhealthy club” spa for a personally tailored relaxation treatment or laze by the spectacular pool adjacent to the landscaped gardens, knowing that your baby is in the staff's capable and reliable hands. Immerse yourself into the island of Mykonos' vibrant nightlife with its abundance of lively bars, clubs and restaurants. Whatever your choice, it is exhilarating to know that you have chosen the right thing.
101 HOTEL
In a land of purity - pure air, pure water, pure vegetation - a new hotel has opened its doors. Having a commanding presence in the oldest postal code of Reykjavík, 101 hotel neighbors the city's administrative buildings and the Icelandic Opera House. Though the exterior will reflect the strength and character of its Icelandic history, the interior will be of refined elegance, a stylish sense of comfort pervading throughout. The highlight of the decor, however, will be the guests themselves. Those who enjoy a balance of body and mind will appreciate 101 hotel's proximity to the business district, nightlife and geothermal pools, as well as the attentive amenities and services. Whether you are drawn to Reykjavík for work or play, 101 hotel is purely about you.
THE MORGAN
In Dublin's most vibrant and cosmopolitan area, Temple Bar, The Morgan has been setting new standards since November 1997. A complete dedication to minimalism sets the tone for underplayed elegance, providing a modern interpretation of comfort and luxury. Bright beiges and creams generate a light interior, accessorized with classic furniture by designers including Le Corbusier and Eileen Gray. Perfectly suited to business travelers or weekenders who enjoy the leisurely hospitality of Dublin by day and its energy by night. Within walking distance of Dublin's best shopping, clubbing, restaurants and theatres.
THE GRAY
Unashamedly elitist and purely residential, The Gray is the new point of reference for the fashionistas of Milan. Rejecting the brasher elements of the couture circus and the 'see-and-be-seen' clique, only established names and their chosen guests will enter into the private, club atmosphere of this exquisite hotel. Side-step in from a narrow street that runs between the cathedral and the glass-domed Galleria, under historical facades that give no clue to the modernity they hide behind them. The murmur of barely spoken conversations in the snug lobby is interspersed by the musical clink of glasses from the bar, in a scene cloaked in style and the scent of eminence. As in an elegant fashion designer's boutique, subdued tones of beige, orange and red are underscored with diffused lighting, extending into the 21 guestrooms of Milan's most jealously-guarded secret. A model of gracious living, The Gray is select, intimate and mysterious.
STRAF
An inspired fusion of Italian fashion, original design and elegance, the STRAF combines minimalist design and classic Italian architecture. The 64 rooms and suites blend design and functionality, maximising comfort. Architect, Vincenzo De Cotiis, a fashion designer of HAUTE collections, has used an eclectic mix of materials, including scratched mirrors, burnished brass, iron, black stone and cement. The STRAF's location, only steps from the Duomo cathedral, places guests at the core of Milan, moments from the fashionable Via Montenapoleone, the shopping districts and La Scala Opera house. After a day of pounding the Milan streets in search of just one more pair of shoes, the bar offers the perfect spot for relaxation. Those seeking a stylish, urban hangout will enjoy the unconventional atmosphere the bar provides, and the cool, impeccable service. If a cocktail can't refresh your spirit, try the Japanese massage chairs in the fifth floor chromo and aromatherapy rooms. A sure bet for tired limbs and worn-out minds.
THE CHEDI MILAN
Italy meets Indonesia with high-design results in The Chedi Milan. The mix of Southern Europe and East Asia is unusually discreet and smooth, however, in its 250 rooms: a feeling of well-lit ease and comfort, played up by a gentle colour palette. Located in Milan’s residential Bovisa district, the hotel is optimally situated for getting around town; yet the low-key lobby and private garden, as well as the Italian/Asian restaurant provide plenty of incentives to stick around. Balinese accents dominate in the Spa, modelled on the courtesy and wisdom of ancient Indonesian cultures and including a steam room, whirpool and relaxation areas.Rooms feature subtle, smooth earth tones and strong white accents, done up in wood, bronze, stone, mosaic and textured ceramic, as dictated by Indonesian designer Jaya Ibrahim. This calm doesn’t exclude high-tech, however: every space includes satellite TV with video-on-demand library and 32' LCD screen. Throughout, subtle traces of the hotel’s own fragrance, Anena, leave a gentle impression of mandarin and green tea. Back downstairs, The Chedi Lounge Bar sits between the restaurant, lobby and meeting rooms and sports a two-storey glass façade and stunning marble staircase. Between its public sleekness and private calm, The Chedi provides a Milan oasis like no other.
CA PISANI
Hotel Ca'Pisani is a herald of the new Venetian élan, reflecting the ancient republic's many layers of time. Quartered in a revived merchant's townhouse some 500 years old, the hotel's elegant interior maintains its noble history while absorbing influences from the Futurist movement of the Thirties and Forties. Artwork by Fortunato Depero is on display in the hotel, and the Futurist theme is continued into the hotel's restaurant, La Rivista. Here, sparkling blue 'starlight' tables underscore an easy-going atmosphere, where guests can enjoy delicious local dishes with a contemporary edge, and thoughtfully selected Italian wines. In the guestrooms, original beds and accessories from the same period, personally collected from across Italy by the Serandrei family, add authenticity and a unique touch to a hotel brimming with remarkable details. From the 'CP' logo on closets to the one-off wooden inlays on each guestroom door and the ever-changing floor lights in reception, Hotel Ca'Pisani is as individual as its guests.
PALAZZINA GRASSI HOTEL & RESIDENCE
Opening late Summer 2007. The melancholy grandeur of Venice, steeped in history, finds a smartly updated complement in the Palazzina Grassi, a layer-cake of ancient, medieval and hypermodern design standing on the Grand Canal. The façade is a classical 15th-century shell, behind which generations of noble and haute-bourgeois families lived; several centuries earlier, the site served as a Roman spa. Classical references abound in the hotel’s public spaces, including a restored central colonnade and modern columns, but the interior is otherwise geometrically designed, pushing abstraction as far as it can go in this classical context. But it is the 32 guestrooms that best show the marriage of ancient and futuristic, especially the Attic Suite with its wood beams, sloping roof and spectacular views of Venice through ancient colonnaded windows. Other rooms offer glimpses of the lagoon landscape and the Canal Grande. Suites are provided with LCD screens and Internet access. Lines are always simple and pure with minimal ornamentation; this echoes the Grassi Bar and the hotels’ lobby/lounge, which are designed as interlocking public spaces. Venice has never been seen through such a highly modern prism.
HOTEL PALAZZO BARBARIGO SUL CANAL GRANDE
Opening September 2007. Built in the 16th century, the palazzo’s unique design features have been adapted to the needs of travellers seeking luxury and calm, as well as a bit of the high drama that Venice specializes in. Pulling up in a motorboat or gondola, for instance, is no problem: the hotel has its own private landing stage. All rooms are individually designed, with no cookie-cutter sameness to them, as necessitated by quirks in the ancient building’s layout. The junior suites even look out on the Canal, providing an unforgettable first view of the day, while the prestige and luxury rooms have a side view on Rio San Polo. On the first floor the bar is done up in Art Deco style to celebrate Venice’s Golden Twenties, and faces the Canal. After an easy day at La Fenice, Palazzo Grassi and the Guggenheim, all within a stone’s throw, the Palazzo offers a gorgeous, sophisticated, yet simple welcome home.
CONTINENTALE
Been there, done that, got the frequent-flier platinum card? If airport VIP lounges now seem more like home than home, then the Continentale hotel in Florence may be something you've been waiting for. Delicate and intriguing, the hotel was created as balm to the jangling nerves of jaded international travelers. Forget the mineral water; sip a tart, dry Martini in the opulent bar and enjoy the Continentale's open areas, filled with spectral drapes and light pink, lemon and pistachio green tones, crafting a bright, almost shimmering effect. Guestrooms have window seats, leather furniture and desks disguised as trunks allowing you to write, relax or think. Time plays a subtle role in the design philosophy of the Continentale hotel and its scattered collection of clocks and watches will help you remember to take a break, whichever time-zone your body is currently in.
GALLERY HOTEL ART
Florence's first contemporary boutique hotel, Gallery Hotel Art is set on a tiny square just steps from the Ponte Vecchio. Public areas are redefined and transformed into multifunctional spaces envisioned to fulfil all the senses. Revolving art exhibits varying from contemporary

Amazing luxury hotels around the world from Design Hotels

Design hotels