FHxD INSIDER | The Design Issue 2023

CONTENTS

A NEW STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE AT ATLANTIS THE ROYAL Page 5

THE UPWARD JOURNEY AT THE UPPER HOUSE Page 8

UNVEILING TIMELESS SPLENDOR AT URSO HOTEL & SPA Page 13

BAHAMAS’ MODERN ISLAND RESORT AT ALBANY Page 16

EPITOME OF MEDITERRANEAN LIVING AT FINCA CORTESIN Page 21

UNVEILING THE ENCHANTED ELEGANCE AT VILLA AGRIPPINA GRAN MELIA Page 24

SUMPTUOUS AND CHIC AT HÔTEL BARRIÈRE LE MAJESTIC CANNES Page 29

OAHU’S NORTHSHORE SPLENDOR AT TURTLE BAY RESORT Page 32

SUSPENDED BETWEEN SKY AND SEA AT MONASTERO SANTA ROSA Page 37

Miavana by Time + Tide Page 65

CHINESE ARTISTRY AND CRAFTSMANSHIP AT THE PENINSULA BEIJING Page 40

A MEDITERRANEAN-INSPIRED HAVEN AT ROCK HOUSE, A GRACE BAY RESORT Page 45

AN URBAN MANSION AT LA RÉSERVE PARIS Page 48

JOURNEY INTO CAPTIVATING DESIGN AT NEW HOTEL, ATHENS Page 53

A PLACE OF WONDER AT PASSALACQUA Page 56

THE CALIFORNIA DREAM AT THE PENINSULA HOTEL BEVERLY HILLS Page 61

MADE OF DREAMS AT VELAA PRIVATE ISLAND Page 62

INSPIRED DESIGN AT MIAVANA BY TIME + TIDE Page 65

THE LATEST ULTRA-LUXURY AT LA CASA DE LA PLAYA Page 66

CLASSICAL MEETS CHIC AT THE PIERRE NEW YORK, A TAJ HOTEL Page 69

THE CHARM OF TRADITION AT RED CHALET Page 71

INSPIRED BY EVOLUTION AT PIKAIA LODGE Page 73

La Réserve Paris — Hotel and Spa Page

Rock House Page 45

A

AT ATLANTIS

A NEW STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE ATLANTIS THE ROYAL

The new iconic landmark of Dubai, Atlantis The Royal, welcomes you to an experience that will completely redefine your perspective of luxury. Crafted by the world’s leading designers, architects and artists, this is a destination where everything has been designed to challenge the boundaries of imagination. Where the highest level of service sets a new standard in excellence. Expect some of the most elegant rooms, suites and signature penthouses in the world, designed to immerse you in absolute comfort and luxury.

Soaring 43 storeys high with infinite views of the Arabian Sea and Palm Island, stays at this iconic resort effortlessly fuse stylish interiors with great outdoor lounging areas. Some of the finest chefs in the world have been selected to create exceptional dining experiences like no other. Home to 17 world-class restaurants, including 8 helmed by celebrity chefs to create a leading culinary destination in Dubai. From Michelin-starred concepts to gastronomic showstoppers, the world has not seen culinary mastery until now. Skyblaze Fountain is the region’s first fire-meets-water spectacle. The heat of the flames and delicate waves of cooling mist rush through the skies with colourchanging lights that set fire to the night and electrifies your soul.

Atlantis The Royal — A design marvel at every turn.

ATLANTIS THE ROYAL Dubai

HOTELS AND RESORTS

A NEW STANDARD

Everything has been designed to challenge the boundaries of imagination.

OF EXCELLENCE AT ATLANTIS THE ROYAL Dubai

THE UPWARD JOURNEY THE UPPER

The Upper House conjures a sense of tranquility with the warmth of a private residence. Overlooking Hong Kong’s bright lights from above Admiralty’s Pacific Place, this House has 117 rooms. Bespoke service, well-crafted natural materials and a design aesthetic based around the ‘Upward Journey’ creates a timeless serenity that flows through the different rooms of the House. The highlight of the upward journey is the Sky Bridge on Level 49, which features a skylight above a 40-metre-high atrium and leads to the Sky Lounge and the hotel’s Mediterranean inspired dining concept Salisterra.

Rising above Pacific Place in Admiralty, The Upper House is the culmination of an upward journey from the bustling city below to a haven of calm and quiet taste. Guest rooms have a minimum area of 730 sq ft – a size rarely found in Hong Kong – along with 366 sq ft bathrooms and a range of modern amenities and facilities.

THE UPPER HOUSE Hong Kong

HOTELS AND RESORTS

JOURNEY AT UPPER HOUSE

A haven of calm and quiet taste.

THE UPWARD JOURNEY AT THE UPPER HOUSE Hong Kong

UNVEILING TIMELESS AT URSO

TIMELESS SPLENDOR

URSO HOTEL & SPA

Embark on a journey of timeless elegance and contemporary sophistication at Urso Hotel & Spa. Nestled in a 20th-century palace, this Madrid gem seamlessly combines the grandeur of bourgeois architecture with the comforts expected from the first luxury boutique hotel in the city. Original elements, such as ornate façade tiles and exquisite marble flooring, pay homage to the building’s historical significance.

Step inside to find common areas adorned with oakwood floors and meticulously crafted wallpapers by renowned firms Dimonah and Mehmet Iksel, replicating original murals from the 17th to 19th centuries. Delicate textiles and noble materials, including fine woods and metals, create a palatial ambience reminiscent of a classic Madrid. The transformed interior courtyard serves as a vibrant lobby and bar area, seamlessly connected to the breakfast space through an overhead skylight, flooding the area with natural light.

Designer Antonio Obrador’s collaborations with local artisans—such as Antonio Ramírez for the carpentry and Gancedo for the fabrics— add a touch of artistry. Bespoke furniture and exquisite lamps by Obrador further elevate the space.

Urso Hotel & Spa seamlessly blends the past and present, orchestrating a symphony of beauty and comfort where luxury and craftsmanship intertwine to offer an unparalleled experience.

URSO HOTEL & SPA Madrid

HOTELS AND RESORTS

A symphony of beauty and comfort where luxury and craftsmanship intertwine.

UNVEILING TIMELESS SPLENDOR AT URSO HOTEL & SPA Madrid

Nestled on 600 oceanside acres is the luxury resort community of Albany in The Bahamas, with a rare collection of world-class sporting amenities and a private boutique resort comprised of villas and exquisite residences. The heartbeat of Albany is its mega-yacht marina surrounded by stunning residential buildings designed by the world’s foremost architects including Bjarke Ingels, Squire & Partners, Gwathmey Siegel Kaufman Architects and Morris Adjmi Architects. Each building is defined by unique architectural elements that collectively work together to create a magical oceanview setting for luxury marina residences. From two to eight bedrooms and exquisite penthouses and rooftop terraces, many residences include private balcony pools and spacious terraces to enjoy uninterrupted views of the blue water. Complemented by thoughtfully designed interiors and personalized guest services, these residences set a new standard in modern resort living.

BAHAMAS’ MODERN RESORT AT ALBANY

ALBANY New Providence, The Bahamas

HOTELS AND RESORTS

MODERN ISLAND ALBANY

Surrounded by stunning residential buildings designed by the world’s foremost architects.

BAHAMAS’ MODERN ISLAND RESORT AT ALBANY New Providence, The Bahamas

EPITOME OF LIVING AT

MEDITERRANEAN FINCA CORTESIN

HOTELS AND RESORTS

Finca Cortesin was built and designed in the style of a classic Andalusian ‘finca’ by renowned architects Roger Torras and Ignacio Sierra, built around two principal courtyards of palatial proportions.

Duarte Pinto Coelho, a world-renowned professional, was responsible for the design of the common areas. Among his contributions, the stone floors and some of the doors from the suites were brought from an 18th century Portuguese convent, Flemish tapestries, hand-painted Chinese papers (blue bar), his private collection of wax seals, a magnificent repository (Lobby), Chinese porcelain, Persian rugs (reception and bar); and mahogany bookcases (bar).

Ana and Cristina Calderón were responsible for the interior design of the suites/villas & Beach Club. In total there are 67 suites & 7 villas and no two are the same. In the decoration they have used furniture by Max Aalto, lamps by Marie Christophe, fabrics by Manuel Canovas, Pierre Frey, Jim Thompson and Novilis, and carpets made of natural fibers. The sheets are made of Egyptian cotton and the bedspreads are handmade in France.

The design of the gardens was commissioned to Gerald Huggan, using species from all five continents, mainly from native and subtropical ones. Great importance has also been given to the scents.

FINCA CORTESIN Marbella, Spain

EPITOME OF MEDITERRANEAN LIVING AT FINCA CORTESIN

Marbella, Spain

There are 67 suites and 7 villas and no two are the same.

ENCHANTED ELEGANCE AT VILLA AGRIPPINA

Villa Agrippina a Gran Melia Hotel Rome opens its bronze doors after an impressive conversion and restoration started in 2006. The property was founded in 1839 as a religious institute and the hotel is the result of a large operation of urban recovery. Its conversion reclaims the building and its urban site, restoring an area of rich and valuable heritage for the City.

The hotel is now an urban resort with a stunning pool and is full of history and echoes from antiquity. During the excavations many archeological findings of the I and II Century A.D. were discovered. Historical sources attribute them to the ruins of Agrippina, famous Roman Empress, grandmother of the Roman Emperor Nero.

The sumptuous marble sculpture of Agrippina’s head, coming from Palazzo Massimo, is located at the hotel’s lobby, at the entrance.

Apart from its setting and unearthed archaeological findings, Villa Agrippina has a privileged location just a few steps from the Vatican, from Piazza di Campo de’ Fiori and Piazza Navona. Trastevere is easily reachable by foot and it is now the most fully alive district of Rome, where guests can find the largest and best selection of restaurants, wineries and exclusive clubs.

VILLA AGRIPPINA A GRAN MELIA HOTEL ROME Rome

HOTELS AND RESORTS

UNVEILING THE ELEGANCE AGRIPPINA

The hotel is now an urban resort with a stunning pool and is full of history and echoes from antiquity.

UNVEILING THE ENCHANTED ELEGANCE AT VILLA AGRIPPINA A GRAN MELIA HOTEL ROME Rome

SUMPTUOUS AT HÔTEL MAJESTIC

Built during the Roaring Twenties in Art Deco style, Le Majestic enjoys a prime location in the heart of Cannes. Their eight Signature suites are havens for lovers of sumptuous, chic design. The Majestic Suite is one of the most sumptuous Penthouse Suites in Europe. Located on the top floor of the hotel, it spans over 4,600 sqft of luxury and refinement, a 1,600 sqm rooftop terrace surrounded by a private heated pool and the Mediterranean Sea.

Witness the alchemy between the Barrière spirit and Parisian chic in the unique Christian Dior suite designed by the famous eponym brand. Two signature suites are named, and decorated, in homage to French film royalty: the Michèle Morgan suite, for one of the nation’s greatest actresses, and the Mélodie suite, for the classic 1963 film Any Number Can Win starring Jean Gabin and Alain Delon, which was shot partly at the hotel. The Balancine, Escale, Horizon and Riviera suites are invitations to daydream and escape with their panoramic views over la Croisette and the sea.

SUMPTUOUS AND CHIC HÔTEL BARRIÈRE LE MAJESTIC CANNES

HÔTEL BARRIÈRE LE MAJESTIC CANNES Cannes, France

Eight Signature suites are havens for lovers of sumptuous, chic design.

SUMPTUOUS AND CHIC AT HÔTEL BARRIÈRE LE MAJESTIC CANNES Cannes, France

Hawaii’s iconic Turtle Bay Resort reopened in July 2021 following a major transformation. Spearheaded by Los Angeles-based interior designer Dianna Wong and award-winning architect Rob Iopa–a Hilo native known for his involvement in North Shore conservation, the resort embraces the captivating beauty and natural splendor of Oahu’s North Shore and showcases a breathtaking fusion of natural elements and retro-inspired decor. With three wings of guestrooms and suites as well as 42 private Ocean Bungalows, guests are treated to awe-inspiring ocean views from every corner.

Many elements of Hawaii’s natural beauty were incorporated into the 450 guestrooms and suites with the use of materials like weathered teak, concrete stone, and rattan. Expansive floor to ceiling windows line the lobby, offering panoramic views of the stunning North Shore beach, surf, and sky, along with large-scale artworks by beloved local artists, including Nick Kuchar, Jack Soren, and Abigail Romanchak. This extensive renovation reaffirms the Turtle Bay Resort’s commitment to Aloha Āina, a deep love and nurturing care for the ancient land. The reimagined guestrooms and public spaces invite guests to immerse themselves in the enchanting spirit of Hawaii’s North Shore.

OAHU’S NORTHSHORE SPLENDOR AT TURTLE BAY RESORT

TURTLE BAY RESORT North Shore, O’ahu

NORTHSHORE TURTLE

OAHU’S NORTHSHORE SPLENDOR AT TURTLE BAY RESORT North Shore, O’ahu

The resort embraces the captivating beauty and natural splendor of Oahu’s North Shore.

SUSPENDED BETWEEN SEA AT MONASTERO

BETWEEN SKY AND MONASTERO SANTA ROSA

Monastero Santa Rosa opened in 2012 after an 11-year renovation process following the vision of American, Bianca Sharma, who fell in love with the 350 year-old ex-monastery and area after visiting Conca dei Marini for the first time with her family in 2000. Arguably the most intimate and tailor-made hotel of the Amalfi Coast, Monastero Santa Rosa contains only 20 rooms and suites, all with jaw dropping views of the Mediterranean and its famous coastline an hour south of the historic city of Naples.

In addition to the stunning position, the hotel also boasts a Michelinstarred restaurant, Il Refettorio, a world-class spa featuring Santa Maria Novella products, stunning terraced gardens, and an infinity pool that appears to be suspended between the sky and the sea. The hotel strikes a perfect balance of seclusion and exclusivity without solitude and the design ties the unique history of the structure with modern and luxurious touches throughout.

MONASTERO SANTA ROSA Amalfi Coast, Italy

HOTELS AND RESORTS

SUSPENDED BETWEEN SKY AND SEA AT MONASTERO SANTA ROSA Amalfi Coast, Italy

Monastero Santa Rosa contains only 20 rooms and suites, all with jaw dropping views.

CHINESE ARTISTRY CRAFTSMANSHIP PENINSULA BEIJING

Opened in 1989 and located in the central Wangfujing district with just a short walk from Beijing’s finest attractions, shopping and dining, The Peninsula Beijing has been a cherished landmark in the city for more than 30 years. The Peninsula Beijing now delivers the most spacious all-suite guest accommodation in the heart of China’s dynamic capital. The restyled hotel is offering a separate bedroom, living room, bathroom and cloakroom which combines timeless Chinese artistry and craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology and superlative service.

Three stylish dining venues celebrate China’s culinary heritage and modern global gastronomy. The Lobby serves a wide selection of international favourites, plus the celebrated Peninsula Afternoon Tea. Michelin-starred Jing restaurant has been re-imagined as a contemporary “Farm-to-Table” venue. The Michelin Guide Cantonese Restaurant Huang Ting recreates a traditional Beijing nobleman’s courtyard home. Overlooking the Imperial City, the seasonal rooftop Yun Summer Lounge pairs innovative mixology cocktails with delectable sharing plates and sophisticated party vibes. The Peninsula Spa and Fitness Centre presents a qualified physiotherapist to provide guests with personal fitness and health guidance rooted in Chinese wellness philosophy.

The Peninsula Beijing sets spectacular new standards in luxury, comfort and design.

THE PENINSULA BEIJING Beijing, China

HOTELS AND RESORTS

ARTISTRY AND AT THE BEIJING

CHINESE ARTISTRY AND CRAFTSMANSHIP AT THE PENINSULA BEIJING Beijing, China

The Peninsula Beijing has been a cherished landmark in the city for more than 30 years.

A MEDITERRANEAN-INSPIRED HAVEN

Nestled on the north shore of Providenciales, Turks and Caicos, Rock House is an intimate boutique resort that captures the essence of its Caribbean surroundings with coastal Mediterranean influences. Designed by Coast Architects and Epikos Design, the resort features a collection of sleek studios and standalone homes that cascade down the coastal limestone cliffs and boast unparalleled views of the island’s renowned turquoise waters.

With outdoor terraces, bathrooms with lush outdoor shower gardens, and soaring 13-foot vaulted ceilings, every element of these one and two-bedroom residences has been carefully considered to maximize comfort and a luxury aesthetic. Recycled limestone feature walls serve as a striking design element, seamlessly connecting the indoor and outdoor spaces. Embracing the natural surroundings, the landscaping features indigenous foliage, including centuries-old Joewood trees, native orchids, and ancient lignum vitae. At Rock House, every aspect of the design is a testament to luxury, elegance, and a deep appreciation for the beauty of its coastal location.

MEDITERRANEAN-INSPIRED

AT ROCK HOUSE

ROCK HOUSE, A GRACE BAY RESORT Providenciales, Turks and Caicos

A MEDITERRANEAN-INSPIRED HAVEN AT ROCK HOUSE, A GRACE BAY RESORT

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos

Every element of these one and twobedroom residences has been carefully considered to maximize comfort.

La Réserve Paris Hotel and Spa is located in the heart of the most iconic district in Paris, with a breathtaking view of the Grand Palais. In the immediate vicinity of the famous Golden Triangle, where the heart of the capital beats, Avenue Gabriel has been one of the highlights of Parisian life since the early 19th century.

Once owned by the Duke de Morny, this luxurious residence with a patio has enjoyed an illustrious history. Perfectly embodying the Parisian spirit of the Belle Époque, this mansion features all its emblematic codes: generous volumes flooded with light, sophisticated decor down to the last detail. A True 5-star palace hotel, with only 15 rooms and 25 suites.

La Réserve Paris is also home to Le Gabriel restaurant, executed by the two Michelin-starred Chef Jérôme Banctel and harbors a stunning and intimate Nescens spa, with a 16-meter indoor pool, where one can forget the hustle and bustle of Paris. A certain savoirvivre to be shared with delight. All designed by the world-famous designer Jacques Garcia, who has given a new luster and soul to this extraordinary urban mansion, with the talented collaboration of the finest French artisans.

AN URBAN MANSION AT LA RÉSERVE PARIS

LA RÉSERVE PARIS HOTEL AND SPA Paris, France

MANSION PARIS

A True 5-star palace hotel, with only 15 rooms and 25 suites.

AN URBAN MANSION AT LA RÉSERVE PARIS Paris, France

CAPTIVATING NEW

JOURNEY INTO CAPTIVATING DESIGN AT NEW HOTEL, ATHENS

NEW Hotel, member of YES! Hotels and Design Hotels, opened its doors in 2011, fully encapsulating the YES Hotels philosophy - Young, Enthusiastic and Seductive. It has been designed by renowned design duo Humberto and Fernando Campana, as their first hotel project, in conjunction with architectural students from the University of Thessaly. The Campanas were commissioned for their eco-friendly ethos, their love for contemporary materials and their sensitivity to local culture. This ethos is apparent in every aspect of NEW Hotel’s design, allowing it to blend in seamlessly with the neighborhood in which it stands, honoring its surroundings.

NEW Hotel encompasses the heritage of its past by using recycled parts of the old hotel and reinterpreted local materials to create a complete work of art, making it the only contemporary hotel in Athens. The old elements of the past are cleverly contrasted by a blend of modern art, sculpture and design on the inside. The interiors are outstanding, the unusual custom-made furniture and handmade fixtures make guests breathe in a major art installation. This integration of art, architecture and design, creates a “live in” sensation, transcending the Museum or Art Gallery experience, provoking the senses and challenging common space perception.

NEW HOTEL, ATHENS Athens, Greece

HOTELS AND RESORTS

Old elements of the past are cleverly contrasted by a blend of modern art, sculpture and design.

JOURNEY INTO CAPTIVATING DESIGN AT NEW HOTEL, ATHENS Athens, Greece

A PLACE OF WONDER PASSALACQUA

Created in the 18th century as a place of the heart on Lake Como for friends, for love and leisure, for the pleasures of the table and the Italian art of dolce far niente, Passalacqua is that same place of wonder today.

Transformed by the De Santis family, rooted on the shores of Lake Como for generations, into a unique hotel with 24 characterful guest accommodations spread across three magnificently restored edifices, it features seven acres of landscaped gardens that descend to a private jetty. Nestled among the park terraces, burbling fountains and centuries-old trees, guests can enjoy a panoramic swimming pool, an open-air gym in the olive grove, a lakeside tennis court, movie nights under the stars and much more.

Staying at Passalacqua gives guests an all-access pass to life at the villa, whether that means making ice cream with the gelataio, swapping pruning tips with the gardeners, kneading pasta dough with the chef or perfecting your volo shot on the bocce court. At Passalacqua, it’s all about reviving the lost art of travel known as villeggiatura and making new memories that connect us with our shared past. Passalacqua is a passion project of design, space, and experience.

PASSALACQUA Lake Como

HOTELS AND RESORTS

WONDER AT

At Passalacqua, it’s all about reviving the lost art of travel known as villeggiatura.

A PLACE OF WONDER AT PASSALACQUA Lake Como

THE CALIFORNIA AT HOTEL

The California dream in an exclusive urban resort. The only AAA Five Diamond and Forbes Five Star-rated hotel in Southern California every year since 1993, The Peninsula Beverly Hills exudes the ambience of a luxurious private estate nestled among lush tropical gardens in the heart of Beverly Hills.

Guests can enjoy the best of Southern California living indoors and out with villas that include a patio for al fresco dining or simply basking in the California sunshine.

Voted as the #1 City Hotel in Los Angeles for 2021 by the readers of Travel + Leisure, The Peninsula Beverly Hills is located at the intersection of Wilshire and South Santa Monica Boulevards, within easy walking distance of Century City and Beverly Hills’ legendary Rodeo Drive.

CALIFORNIA DREAM THE PENINSULA

HILLS

THE PENINSULA HOTEL BEVERLY HILLS Beverly Hills

HOTELS AND RESORTS

Nestled within the constellation of islands that form the Noonu Atoll in the Maldives, Velaa Private Island takes exclusivity to the next level with facilities and service that go beyond traditional resorts. Designed by award-winning Czech architect Petr Kolar as “an elegant fusion of Maldivian culture with contemporary luxury, intimate with Maldivian nuances”.

Velaa Private Island is the realization of a dream to create a ‘beyond luxury’ exclusive boutique hideaway in the Maldives. Velaa means “Turtle” in the local language, named after generations of sea turtles that flock there to nest and hatch. From a broader “bird’s eye view” which greets arrivals by seaplane, the island’s exclusive over-water villas are also constructed to resemble the head of a turtle, with the island forming the body.

The resort comprises 47 private villas, houses and exclusive residences. While 18 of the 47 are built over water, the Romantic Pool Residence can only be reached by boat, allowing even more privacy and exclusivity.

MADE OF DREAMS PRIVATE ISLAND

VELAA PRIVATE ISLAND Maldives

HOTELS AND RESORTS

AT VELAA

INSPIRED MIAVANA

INSPIRED DESIGN AT MIAVANA BY TIME + TIDE

“Considered, crafted and beautifully curated” — Located on the largest of five islands in a remote archipelago off the north-eastern coast of Madagascar, Miavana’s villas look out over a pictureperfect white beach and shallow turquoise waters teeming with coral gardens and exotic tropical fish. Miavana ultimate destination for modern-day explorers, Miavana combines worldclass luxury in a wilderness of rare wildlife and extraordinary landscapes, beautifully echoed throughout its design.

Taking over four years to create this haven, Miavana is an exceptional destination where the design and focus celebrate its environment, planting over 100,000 indigenous trees, restoring the

natural vegetation and using only natural and recycled materials to construct the magnificence that is, Miavana. Designed by world-renowned architects Silvio Rech and Lesley Carstens, Miavana is the perfect blend, expressing local, traditional, and handmade textures and styles alongside urban, modern, and minimalist.

The stone clad buildings on Miavana were delivered piece by piece by boat from a family-owned quarry on mainland Madagascar, carried to shore and handchiseled into rocks by hundreds of locals that were employed for the construction of the island.

MIAVANA BY TIME + TIDE Nosy Anko, Madagascar

THE LATEST ULTRA-LUXURY AT LA CASA DE

LA CASA DE LA PLAYA Loca Playa del Carmen

Designed by architect David Quintana, La Casa de la Playa boasts a captivating eco-integrated architectural design that harmoniously blends with its natural surroundings. Specifically tailored to provide guests with the comforts of home, the freedom to request anything they may need, and the opportunity to relax and enjoy in a serene environment, the property is infused with passion and respect for nature.

The award-winning hotel, which pays homage to Mexican culture by featuring handmade décor crafted by local Mexican artisans, consists of 63 thoughtfully designed oceanfront suites, each featuring its own private plunge

pool and volcanic stone jacuzzi. The facade showcases vibrant hues inspired by the Mexican Caribbean Sea, with the use of colorful mosaic tiles and locally sourced stones. The open-air design concept allows for an uninterrupted flow between indoor and outdoor space, enabling guests to enjoy the breathtaking views of the lush tropical gardens.

The interior design of the hotel exudes warmth and luxury, with rich wooden accents, handcrafted furniture, and intricately designed Mexican textiles, adding a touch of elegance and authenticity to the space. Overall, La Casa de la Playa’s architecture perfectly captures the essence of Riviera Maya, seamlessly blending modern luxury with Mexican history and culture, while embracing sustainable design principles.

ULTRA-LUXURY DE LA PLAYA

CLASSICAL PIERRE NEW

CLASSICAL MEETS CHIC AT THE NEW YORK, A TAJ HOTEL

The Pierre was conceived in the 1930’s by Charles Pierre Casalasco and designed by Schultze &Weaver to be a “majestic monument to simplicity, beauty and refinement -- the most luxurious hotel New York has ever seen.” A 1930’s guidebook said, “The Pierre Hotel is beautiful, gorgeous, distinctive – catering only to those of refined tastes who can afford the best in the way of hotel luxury.”

The Neo-Classical Two E Lounge was designed by Alexandra Champalimaud as a Gentleman’s Lounge to reflect a

chic Upper East Side residence. One of NY’s most elegant lounges, it retains its original molding details on the ceiling and columns. The opulent Rotunda is considered one of NY’s most romantic places for a date. Its bespoke ceiling features murals painted by American painter, Edward Melcarth to resemble a vision of Versailles.

In 2022, The Pierre completed a $20 million transformation of the Grand Ballroom to redefine what makes a ballroom grand, blending historical details with modern technology.

THE PIERRE NEW YORK, A TAJ HOTEL New York City

THE CHARM

TRADITION AT RED CHALET

Located at the heart of a charming fishing village in Portugal’s picturesque Algarve, Red Chalet was built during the turn of the 20th century and inspired by the opulent luxury of the Belle Époque era emerging in the South of France. It remained as a family summer home for more than 100 years, a sense of tradition creating an intimacy that welcomes guests into the company of friends.

Now listed as a historical building and a famous landmark, the renovation retained as many of the original elements as possible. The Moroccan influences of the architecture, all elegant reminders of the region’s rich cultural history. The terrace is built into the seawall, giving

the impression of a stay upon the ocean itself. Despite its central location and the comforts of contemporary luxury, the secluded villa offers an evocative escape, a chance to journey back to simpler times in an authentic alternative to the modern hotel experience.

With direct access to the beach and the historical town centre, the traditions of the Algarve are on its doorstep, from the picturesque church square it overlooks to the fantastic flavours of the beach restaurant nearby. Discover everything about the Algarve, from past to present.

RED CHALET Algarve, Portugal

VILLAS AND PRIVATE RESIDENCES

Hidden in a secluded giant tortoise reserve and nestled on the edge of an extinct volcano crater, Pikaia Lodge provides the highest level of comfort and services, as well as a fantastic way to explore one of the last paradises on Earth in a sustainable way.

Galapagos is famous for being Charles Darwin’s inspiration and living proof of his evolution theory and Evolution is the overall theme at Pikaia. The lodge’s name, honors the oldest known ancestors from which all modern mammals, fish, and reptiles descend: “Pikaia Gracilens”.

Pikaia Lodge’s contemporary minimalistic eco-architecture contains multiple art pieces which portray different Evolution concepts: The Tree of Life, the Big Bang, DNA, Homo Sapiens’ evolution, Charles Darwin’s theories, fossils, and many more.

With 14 spacious rooms, infinity-edge pool, fine dining restaurant, spa, private yacht and more, Pikaia takes luxury adventure to another level on the islands. From every corner, it boasts fascinating, uninterrupted views. It is also strategically placed to offer unique remoteness, privacy, and tranquility.

The lodge is also one of the most advanced green lodges built in the world. Aside for the incredible wildlife contact and impressive flora, it operates with alternative energy resources and has an outstanding social responsibility program.

INSPIRED BY EVOLUTION AT PIKAIA LODGE

PIKAIA LODGE Ecuador, Galapagos Islands

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PHOTO CREDITS

Front Cover Albany

Top Monastero Santa Rosa

Left Atlantis The Royal

Right Middle The Upper House

Right Bottom URSO Hotel & Spa

Back Cover Passalacqua