FHxD INSIDER | Secret Places

THE INNER GARDENS

AT PULITZER AMSTERDAM PAGE 04

TITSOU BAR

AT HOTEL BARRIÈRE FOUQUET’S NEW YORK PAGE 09

THE SLEEP PODS

AT CORINTHIA LONDON PAGE 12

A SECRET HILL

AT GRAND HOTEL TREMEZZO PAGE 17

BREATHTAKING BEACH CORNER

AT LA SAMANNA, A BELMOND HOTEL PAGE 20

EQUINE PALACE

AT AUBERGE DU JEU DE PAUME PAGE 24

THE PRIVATE BATHHOUSE

AT HOTEL CASTELLO DI RESCHIO PAGE 29

THE PAVILLION

AT HECKFIELD PLACE PAGE 32

SECRET GARDEN

AT GRAND HÔTEL DU PALAIS ROYAL PAGE 36

NATURAL WONDER

AT ONE&ONLY MANDARINA PAGE 41

CASINA DELLA MARCHESA

AT BORGO SAN FELICE PAGE 45

ACADEMY OF FINE ARTS

AT PALAIS HANSEN KEMPINSKI VIENNA PAGE 48

SECRET DISCOVERIES

AT FARMHOUSE INN PAGE 53

PICASSO’S FIRST STUDIO

AT SERRAS BARCELONA PAGE 56

CYCLING ROUTES

AT COQUILLADE PROVENCE RESORT AND SPA PAGE 61

THE KEEPER’S HOUSE

AT FORTE VILLAGE RESORT PAGE 65

MANA OF VUNABAKA

AT SIX SENSES FIJI PAGE 68

A MAJESTIC SEQUOIA

AT PALAZZO FIUGGI PAGE 73

FOUR HUNDRED BY DESIGN | SECRET PLACES — INSIDER 3

THE INNER GARDENS

Pulitzer Amsterdam

PULITZER AMSTERDAM | AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS

A secluded garden can be found within the alluring 17th century canal houses of Pulitzer Amsterdam on the Prinsengracht and the Keizersgracht in Amsterdam. From the outside of the hotel, you won’t be able to discover this hidden gem, yet you step through the light metal framed glazing doors, you are greeted by a park-like garden with views of the Westertoren and, and in the spring, more than 2,000 tulips. The landscaping architect Copijn made sure the gardens can be enjoyed all year round

—Lisa Hoogewoning, Marketing Manager

by planting plants that flourish all year. It is place where you can flee from the hustle and bustle of the city while remaining in the heart of Amsterdam.

Our inner garden is home to Pulitzer Garden, a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant, serving you a casual breakfast, morning coffee, a great glass of wine or a beautiful plate of pasta. Whether a guest to the city or lucky enough to call Amsterdam home, Pulitzer Garden is the perfect place to relax in perfect tranquility. A treat for city dwellers in Amsterdam and a secret we can’t help but share.

PULITZER

AMSTERDAM | AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS

Tucked away within Hotel Barriere Fouquet’s New York is Titsou Bar. The bar, which draws inspiration from Bar Marta, the famed speakeasy at Hôtel Barrière Fouquet’s Paris, evokes Paris in the 1920s and ‘30s. Titsou is seductively lit, with rich drapes on the windows and tented fabric on the ceiling, the room is dressed in shades of aubergine, amethyst, and dark green. Plush mohair-covered lounge chairs sit beside intimate candle-lit tables, while small

lamps with tasseled, Deco-style shades cast a glow on the marbletopped bar.

Titsou Bar retains an air of posh exclusivity like its Parisian counterpart, which is hidden behind a secret door disguised. With capacity limited to 50 Titsou is the perfect setting for intimate tête-àtêtes and buzzing New York soirée. Titsou Bar is open in the evenings only and reserved for hotel guests and invited VIPs.

—Diana Chan, Executive Director of Sales

TITSOU BAR

Hotel Barrière Fouquet’s New York

THE SLEEP PODS

Corinthia London

Corinthia London is a lively place and located in the heart of a bustling central location, so our spa offers a rare opportunity for silence and serenity. From the glass amphitheatre sauna offering panoramic views of the Thermal Floor to the ice fountain, perfect for giving the body a little shock after a dip in the pool or rest on a marble heated lounger, there are so many calm corners and facilities to discover.

One of my favourite spots is the Sleep Pod area. A haven of tranquillity complete with a sleek suspended fireplace, guests are invited to draw the curtain and settle into their private, pillow-adorned pod, whether it’s to relax before their spa treatment commences or to bask in the feelings of rejuvenation that follow our exquisite rituals, wellness therapies and treatments.

— Thomas Kochs, Managing Director

My secret place is on the top of the hill of our park, where ‘cassinone’ stands, an old farmhouse that was restored as it is part of the history of the property. I used to go there when I was a child with my granduncle Bruno and there I spent moments I will never forget.

In my adulthood I still go there anytime I need a moment to wrap up my thoughts and be by myself for a while. From there, a real vantage point of the hotel, I can appreciate the silence of nature while admiring the magic of the scenery of the lake that splits into two arms when it meets the point of the peninsula of Bellagio. Pure marvel.

—Valentina de Santis, Owner

A SECRET HILL

GRAND HOTEL TREMEZZO | LAKE COMO, ITALY

Grand Hotel Tremezzo

BREATHTAKING BEACH CORNER

LA SAMANNA, A BELMOND HOTEL | ST. MARTIN, THE CARIBBEAN

La Samanna, A Belmond Hotel

LA SAMANNA, A BELMOND HOTEL | ST. MARTIN, THE CARIBBEAN

La Samanna’s secret and treasure place is on the blissful beach corner by the cliff, a hidden gem that offers breathtaking views and unforgettable experiences.

The sunsets here are truly magical, painting the sky with a palette of colors that I never thought possible.

But it’s during the early hours of the morning, as the sun begins to rise, that the real magic happens. The water comes alive with a vibrant energy, as turtles and schools of colorful fish swim gracefully by, illuminated by the gentle morning light. It’s a truly peaceful and rejuvenating experience, one that you won’t soon forget.

— Francisco Sá Teixeira, Director of Sales & Marketing

EQUINE PALACE

Auberge du Jeu de Paume

Auberge du Jeu de Paume decorated in a refined, sophisticated aesthetic and Louis XV style is located just beyond the stone archway that leads Château de Chantilly and its estate. The exquisite Domaine de Chantilly is truly one of the rarest gems in France’s glittering crown of châteaux. The château itself has magnificent galleries, private apartments, a library Belle and the Beast could get lost in, and a massive collection of antique paintings second only to the Louvre. However, it is the Equine Palace — Great Stables — that quite nearly steals the show.

The stables, a masterpiece, were built between 1719 and 1735 by Prince Louis-Henri de Bourbon- Condé because he believed he would be reincarnated as a horse. Ever since then, Chantilly has been closely connected with horses, and guests today can visit the new Museum of the Horse and view equestrian shows and performances that have now become world famous.

End your trip in France with what could be its most memorable experience, as delicious as the Chantilly cream invented here by Vatel: a stay at the Auberge du Jeu de Paume in Chantilly, a perfect component to a countryside escape.

— Nicole Wilms-Kauffmann, General Manger

When we first considered the idea of a spa, we chose the former red wine cellars, deep inside the castle, as the perfect location. The spa experts suggested chopping it into four treatment rooms. As I gazed up to the ceiling, taking in the gigantic beams that had supported the castle for over a thousand years, I just could not conceal such fabulous workmanship and history. I therefore decided to create a large, secret room, incorporating the former ice cave.

It is a magnificent space, where those with healing hands caress and care, restoring one’s equilibrium. The Private Room of the Bathhouse is in the oldest part of the castle. Many of the therapies are equally ancient, handed down through generations, using foraged ingredients, such as a honey scrub followed by a camomile bath or a massage with Iperico oil and the use of bay leaves in the Hammam. There is a roaring open fire, two conversation baths, a large day bed and two massage beds. Tisane is served and it becomes your own secret world for half a day.

All at Reschio were thrilled to receive the Tatler Spa Award of 2022 in our first year of opening.

—Count Benedikt Boiza, 2nd Generation Owner, Chief Architect & CEO of the Reschio Estate

THE PRIVATE BATHHOUSE

Hotel Castello di Reschio

THE PAVILION

Heckfield Place

HECKFIELD PLACE | HAMPSHIRE, UNITED KINGDOM

One of my favourite spots on our estate is the pavilion down by our Lower Lake.

It is beautiful year-round, but in late spring and early summer it bursts to life, surrounded by more pink and purple rhododendron than I’ve ever seen. The combination of sunshine, colour and gentle sounds of nature is so peaceful. But what I love

most about this part of the estate is that it only leads to more beauty.

There is a secret path just beyond the pavilion that guides you deeper into our woodlands. After walking for a minute or two, you stumble upon the most magical patch of foxgloves that are growing there wildly. I often forage them for arrangements in the House in May or June.

This moment only lasts a few weeks at Heckfield, but is one that I always look forward to.

— April Deering, Heckfield Place In-House Florist

HECKFIELD PLACE | HAMPSHIRE, UNITED KINGDOM

SECRET GARDEN

GRAND HÔTEL DU PALAIS ROYAL | PARIS, FRANCE

Grand Hôtel du Palais Royal

GRAND HÔTEL DU PALAIS ROYAL | PARIS, FRANCE

The location of the Grand Hôtel du Palais Royal is very well known thanks to its vicinity to the Louvre museum. But facing the hotel and behind a magnificent Haussmannien building, you will discover the best kept secret garden of Paris can’t be seen from the street, the Jardin du Palais Royal!

Walk through the black gates and you will stroll around the romantic garden and its arcades all

around with charming and exquisite boutiques to wander. Sit on the bench under the large trees in front of the fountain and enjoy a pastry on the lovely terrace of the only café in the garden. Before passing in front of the hotel and crossing the Place the Valois to discover all the secret “Passages Parisiens” of the neighborhood like the Galerie Vivienne, the Galerie Véro-Dodat and many others.

Paris is famous but it has many secrets!

— Severine Greault, Regional Director of Sales & Marketing

One&Only Mandarina is a natural wonder steeped in Mexican ancient history with many magical moments to uncover. Our reception sits adjacent to some of the best preserved archaeological ruins of the Cora, an indigenous settlement in the Western Central Mexico, which laid ground on the Mandarina site thousands of years ago. Our resort’s earthen walls emerge from the ground with low visual impact, inspired by the historic buildings

once constructed on the site by the Cora. And botany experts were consulted throughout the design and construction process to preserve the land as well as respect the historic and ecological significance of the natural habitat.

During a visit to One&Only Mandarina, guests can experience our awe-inspiring setting during a guided bike tour through our rainforest trails and discover some of the ancient petroglyphs from the Cora civilization.

—Serge Ditesheim, General Manager

NATURAL WONDER

One&Only Mandarina

ONE&ONLY MANDARINA | RIVIERA NAYARIT, MEXICO

CASINA DELLA MARCHESA

Borgo San Felice

My secret place at Borgo San Felice is the Casina della Marchesa, a small cottage, located in the middle of the Poggio Rosso winefields immersed in the Tuscan nature. I usually go there at the end of a busy day. The perfect moment is at sunset when you will find me sitting on a bench overlooking the wonderful view of Borgo and the Tuscan landscape.

Sipping a good glass of red, I can appreciate the colors of the sunset and breathe the scents of nature.

From there, I can hear the soft laughter of our guests enjoying their aperitivo at Bar Archi. It’s the perfect place where I can recharge my batteries and get ready for an exciting new day. An unforgettable moment of connection between me and nature.

— Patrizia Chiari, Hotel Manager

ACADEMY OF FINE ARTS

PALAIS HANSEN KEMPINSKI VIENNA | VIENNA, AUSTRIA

Palais Hansen Kempinski Vienna

One of my favorite places in Vienna is the Academy of Fine Arts, designed by the famous Danish architect Theophil Hansen who shaped Vienna’s architecture during the late 19th century like no other. The academy is one of the most renowned educational institutions in the world and has produced artists such as Gustav Klimt and Egon Schiele. With the impressive building, Hansen also created a place of activity for himself, as he directed the special school for architecture here.

Special extra tip: The paintings gallery of the Academy of Fine Arts is considered to be a hidden gem where you can find masterpieces by Dutch and Flemish painters such as Rubens, Rembrandt and van Dyck as well as the famous Last Judgement altar by Hieronymus Bosch. By the way, also the beautiful Palais Hansen Kempinski Vienna was built by Theophil Hansen in 1873 –exactly 150 years ago!

Schurad, Sales & Marketing

—Chantal

PALAIS HANSEN KEMPINSKI VIENNA | VIENNA, AUSTRIA

SECRET DISCOVERIES

Farmhouse Inn

When we laid out the buildings and the paths that comprise Farmhouse Inn, we did it with ‘secret discoveries’ in mind. Turning a corner and finding a fountain, coming around the bend and discovering a coop filled with adorable nesting chickens, walking to the back of the property, and hearing in the tinkle of our seasonal waterfall are all favorites of Farmhouse guests.

But, my favorite secret of all is the bridge that connects the two newest Barn buildings. From the bridge, you can enjoy a view of our pool and gardens, and beyond that the vineyards and the hills that make up part of our beautiful Russian River Valley. It’s also a great spot for Selfies!

— Catherine Bartolomei, Managing Partner

FARMHOUSE INN | SONOMA COUNTY, CALIFORNIA

PICASSO’S FIRST STUDIO

Serras Barcelona

SERRAS BARCELONA | BARCELONA, SPAIN

SERRAS

BARCELONA | BARCELONA, SPAIN

My secret place is in the heart of Barcelona; it was Picasso’s first studio where he painted his most famous work of that time, Science and Charity. It is now a luxury boutique hotel and every time I step through the door a sense of peace and tranquility washes over me.

All the rooms are outstanding, and the service is impeccable. I am a food lover, and their gastronomy

is superb. In the Informal restaurant by Michelin-starred chef Marc Gascons you can find the best catalan cuisine with local and seasonal products, a pleasure to the palate. And the jewel of the crown is the rooftop where Picasso painted. From there I can appreciate the views of the wonderful marina while having a tasting menu or a sip of a cocktail. Pure pleasure - This is Serras.

— Ona Matas, General Manager & Co-Founder

Venture to France’s Luberon region to experience the soul of Provence, best discovered on a bike. Perched on a hilltop near the village of Gargas, just 30 miles east of Avignon, Coquillade Provence Resort & Spa, a 5 Star property and member of Relais & Chateaux, epitomizes the tranquility of a French countryside retreat set on 90 hectares of rolling vineyards dotted with lavender fields and olive groves.

This hidden gem is known for its exceptional cycling routes where guests can truly live out their Tour de

France dreams while taking in the striking backdrop of Mount Ventoux. Coquillade has a fleet of Swiss BMC bikes for every type of cycling enthusiast (their e-bikes help you cover more ground with ease). With a guide or solo, explore charming ancient hilltop villages such as Gordes, Rousillon, Lacoste, and Bonnieux. Follow the scent of fresh baked bread to discover a small restaurant for a quintessential Provençal lunch break, then pick up your journey to bike through sweeping vineyards and lavender fields, where you can take in the stunning scenery that makes Provence so special.

—Alain Bachmann, General Manager

TOUR DE FRANCE DREAMS

THE KEEPER’S HOUSE

Forte Village Resort

My secret place at Forte Village is what we call “The Keeper’s House”, an authentically beautiful structure located just behind the resort, which is immersed within the gorgeous natural and wild surroundings characteristic of southern Sardinia, where the majestic mountains rise in the background. We use this location for celebratory dinners and special events from time to time and it has a very special atmosphere, where one can really feel connected to the beauty, perfumes and colours of this lovely area of the island. And the flavors!

Our gardeners, together with our chefs, have established our herb and vegetable garden here as well, incorporating freshly cultivated ingredients into our menus. It is here that you can truly experience the tranquility of the Sardinian countryside, right in front of the Mediterranean Sea, allowing one to switch off from everything and just relax.

— Paolo Mancuso, Group Director of Projects & Business Development

MANA OF VUNABAKA

Six Senses Fiji

SIX SENSES FIJI | MALOLO ISLAND, FIJI

SIX SENSES FIJI | MALOLO ISLAND, FIJI

Before all this development, it was mostly forest, and known as Vunabaka. Nobody really lived out here. This rock was also always here but today not many notice or know what it’s about. It used to be surrounded by mangroves and the belief was that two women spirits known as Na Lewa Soro occupied this rock.

When I was growing up, we were always warned to not make too much noise or strange things could happen. These lady spirits liked to pick on males. Even now, it’s been hard to cut into this rock or

remove the shrubs for good, so the requests for maintenance sometimes come to me, because I’m from Solevu and the site is part of our customary lands. It has mana. Vunabaka is actually a special place because it was blessed in the old days. From the main village, Solevu, my ancestor accompanied a chief, Ratu to find a new home down the coast. It was here at Vunabaka that Ratu released my ancestor and told him to return.

Our oral history tells us that Ratu looked around Vunabaka and said this place would be blessed. Today Six Senses is here.

— Sailasa Seavula, Host Cleaner

A MAJESTIC SEQUOIA

Palazzo Fiuggi

My secret place at Palazzo Fiuggi Wellness Medical Retreat is in the garden near “The Fountain of Life” and the “Roman Thermae.” Here, a majestic species of “Sequoia sempervirens” have dominated and protected the area since the early 1800s.

Spectacular and fascinating, this great patriarch has witnessed more than 220 years of history and

is a symbol of longevity, the cardinal principle on which the Palazzo Fiuggi method is based. Sitting under this extraordinary gift of nature I feel connected to history and nature, while immersed in our oasis of tranquility. My secret place is truly a place of the heart.

— Pietro Zanzot, General Manager

PALAZZO FIUGGI | FIUGGI, ITALY

PHOTO CREDITS

Front & Back Cover Corinthia London

Contents Pulitzer Amsterdam

Left Palais Hansen Kempinski Vienna

Right Left One&Only Mandarina

Right Right Borgo San Felice

FOUR HUNDRED BY DESIGN

Four Hundred by Design (FHxD) is an exclusive collection of world-class hotels, resorts, villas and private residences.

For more, follow us on instagram @fourhundredbydesign

Volume 03 / Issue 02

April / 2023