Author Archives: suitehomesc

Le Grey- Most stylish Rooftop in Beirut !

June 1, 2012 By in Unique Rooms Tags: , , , Leave a comment

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Le Gray is CampbellGray’s first hotel in the Middle East. Located in the heart of Beirut in Martyrs’ Square, it showcases 87 stylish rooms and suites artistically designed in collaboration with Fox Linton Associates. Le Grey Hotel houses a wonderful collection of modern art and furniture and is definitely a place to visit if you are in Beirut.

Last summer Le Gray Hotel introduced a chic and sophisticated rooftop doused in finesse. It’s the newest bar to open up at the Le Gray. Serving delicious cocktails and delectable finger food, this is a location for people to come relax, chill and enjoy the beautiful view. Much like every other Le Gray Hotel outlet, it is trendy with a unique identity, attracting Lebanon’s most stylish crowd. Don’t forget to come check out the gorgeous infinity pool that very could be the Cherry on the Rooftop.

With Gratitude T.

The glorious Royal Monceau!

May 2, 2012 By in Unique Rooms Tags: , , , Leave a comment

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Having welcomed innumerable artists, dignitaries and celebrities since its doors opened in 1928, the historic Le Royal Monceau – a member of the Raffles group – has been shut for refurbishment (you may recall the über-extravagant demolition  party) andsince recently – with interiors coming courtesy of the legendary French designer, Philippe Starck – those famous doors are again open. Celebrating all that is iconic about French opulence, whilst embracing Starck’s unique contemporary elegance, Le Royal Monceau is a truly breathtaking project.

Arrive at the hotel and you’re in Le Grand Salon, which replaces the former stuffy lobby. This is now a large reception, snacking and lounge area. Facing you is La Cuisine restaurant, a contemporary space for 140 covers with a table d’hôte for 16 all the better to taste the cuisine of executive chef Laurent André and chef Gabriel Grapin.

The “Picasso of pastry” Pierre Herme  is taking charge of desserts.

The second, Il Carpaccio, restaurant Italiano is directed by Tuscan chef Roberto Rispoli and his all-Italian team. The extravagant kitsch shell décor is by artist Thomas Boog, working with Starck.

The third space is Le Jardin, a wild-looking bucolic garden for 100 guests, accessed from La Cuisine, created by Starck and landscape gardener Louis Benech. Starck wants it to be a place of “contemplation et d’inspiration.”

There’s a well-stocked library boutique where television screens beam live feeds from important art auctions and a blog of significant happenings .The hotel will host art exhibitions curated by celeb art-expert Hervé Mikaeloff and art concierge Domoina de Brantes is available to advise on purchasing art work from the hotel or visiting galleries and exhibitions.

A first for a Paris hotel is the 100-seater cinéma serving ice-cream, gourmet bento-box snacks and popcorn by Pierre Hermé. Plenty of spaces are dedicated to les arts et les lettres, the main reason people come to Paris in the first place.

Bold, inventive, artistic, opulent, Starck’s vision of Le Royal Monceau is everything a 21st century French masterpiece should be…

With Gratitude T.

Kinsterna Boutique Hotel Monemvasia- A Byzantine era Mansion

April 2, 2012 By in Unique Rooms Tags: , , , , , , Leave a comment

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Kinsterna Hotel & Spa is a historic boutique hotel near the medieval castle-town of Monemvasia, one of the Peloponnese’s most romantic destinations.The mansion’s long history dates back to the Byzantine era. The manor’s architectural and morphological features testify to the building’s Byzantine, Venetian and Ottoman heritage and unique identity.Tucked away in the folds of a lush hillside this rural mansion offers 27 boutique rooms and suites that magically blend into the timeless olive and citrus groves.The manor was lived in until the late 1970’s by the ‘Lady of Monemvasia’, Lina Kapitsini. The main objective of its restoration was the maintenance of the original architecture using traditional building techniques and local materials.

Kinsterna is the Byzantine word for cistern which is located in the heart of the building and for centuries has breathed life into the estate’s fertile 15 acres of land. Along with the restoration of the buliding , the aim at Kinsterna Hotel and Spa is to revive all the rural traditions that were closely associated with the mansion , including the production of olive oil, wines and tsipouro! High on their agenda is the protection of the environment with the guests being encouraged to participate in the activities organized within the estate, bringing them close to nature.

One can unwind and relax in the private relaxation area near the atmospheric river-like swimming pool or rejuvenate at the Ottoman hamman and charming spa. The stylish Gourmet Belvedere Restaurant offers traditional recipes made by the finest handpicked ingredients or exclusive food and wine matching dinners while the Library is the ideal retreat for reading and relaxing with your family and friends. Interesting activities such as horse-back riding, cycling, trekking at the Byzantine paths and of course a visit at the old castle-town of Monemvasia enhance the whole unique experience.

Kinsterna Hotel and spa is all about wellness, authenticity and privacy and the perfect escape from everyday life.

With Gratitude T.

Positano: The ‘diamond’ of the Amalfian Coast

March 3, 2012 By in Unique Rooms Leave a comment

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Just a few years ago, when travelers arrived in Positano, the only sounds that could be distinguished were that of the writers and poets typewriters, the artists’ musical instruments and the low-key conversations of aristocratic families who had chosen to stay because of the quiet calm and natural beauty which had become to them a source of inspiration.

The lifestyle here is has changed drastically  as thousands of travelers arrive each year from all over the world to visit the  “diamond” of the Costiera
Amalfitana, making the hidden alleys and narrow passages seem even smaller and narrower .Positano started to become popular and very hip in the 50’s, especially after
publication of the John Steinbecks «Positano bites deep» in Harper’s Bazaar magazine in May 1953, where he wrote characteristically: «It is a dream place that isn’t quite real when you are there and becomes beckoningly real after you have gone».

Until today it remains one of the most enchanting destinations of Italy. A seductive, aristocratic village, perched on cliffs overlooking the Mediterranean, the famous Capri and Li Galli (Sirens Island), where the attractive seductresses “seduced” unsuspecting sailors with their songs!

The lifestyle here can be described as  «dolce far niente» However a large part of this lifestyle now consists of  Italian gastronomic delights accompanied by Limoncello, rides through the alleys on motorinis or the sea on river boats or even walks around  the famous «Positano fashion style» boutiques for handmade sandals!

Le Sirenuse

The all time classic choice for staying in Positano is the historic Le Sirenuse, which opened its doors to visitors in 1951, when the Sersale family decided
to transform their country house into a small elegant hotel. It started with 8 rooms and a spectacular terrace overlooking the Island of the Sirens, from which the hotel bears its name. Fifty years later, now a five star hotel, it has not lost the ambience of an Italian family summer house. The 62 rooms in off white shades are decorated with antique furniture and all have handmade Vietri cobblestone floors and most have spacious terraces overlooking the bay of Positano. In the marble bathrooms one finds Eau D ‘Italie Cosmetics with scents inspired by the aromas of the coast Amalfi. Surrounded by lemon trees, works of art from the Sersale familys personal art collection and rare tropical plants, is the terrace and swimming pool, the Champagne and Oyster bar and the AVEDA spa, designed by Gae Aulenti.

The most enjoyable and memorable experience however, is the restaurant La Sponda lit with 400 candles! Renowned chef and the only chef who has been awarded 3 Michelin stars in Southern Italy, Alfonso Iaccarino and his son Ernesto prepare hedonistic Napolitan creative cuisine based on local ingredients and organic produce from their farm «La Peracciole» in Punta Campanella, which produces the best olive oil in Southern Italy. Try the lobster bruschetta, accompanied by a shot of bellini made from fresh peaches , and let the sommelier Vincenzo Galani recommend the ideal wine to  accompany your meal!

Casa Angelina Lifestyle Hotel

The most popular choice of accommodation of modern design and lifestyle in Costiera Amalfitana, particularly in Praiano, is the hotel Casa Angelina, a personal dedication to the owner’s mother, whose name it bears. Even the logo is the same as her signature! The owners vision was to create a cozy Italian home filled with souvenirs and memorabilia from all his travels around the world.

The hotel boasts a team of  young and friendly staff and puts great emphasis on Art.

The most exclusive hotel on the coast was renovated 2 years ago
and  has been referred to as «The Delano Hotel of the Amalfi Coast».

Colorful Murano masterpieces light up the white on white design. In the rooms, the lighting and sanitary ware are designed by Philip Starck, the furniture is Gervasoni and Hugonet Paris whilst the rest boasts an ethnic mix ‘n’ match style. Exotic trees from Afghanistan, palm trees from Brazil, Argentinian art and Moroccan and Mexican influences around  the pool.

The restaurant, Un Piano nel Cielo impressed us with amazing service, its delicious Italian recipes and breathtaking views! In the cigar room Posh, travelers enjoy local grappa, while just next door others “imitate” them in the  … jaccuzi!

The glass elevator led us to a beach where one can go on excursions to Capri, Pompeii or Sorrento! By 2009, the owner intends to build on adjacent land , suites with private pools, a new spa and an overflowing swimming pool.

The most vivid memory of the Casa Angelina was the smell of cedar and not by chance for the owner has played with our sense of smell is linked directly memory, creating the Casa Angelina Cedro, room fragrance so the memories of  a great holiday can be carried with us forever.

With gratitude T.

 

Moscow – From Russia with Love!

February 1, 2012 By in Unique Rooms Tags: , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

The city of Moscow with its population of 9 million, has been marked by times of great glory but also tragic downfalls including the two centuries in which the Soviet Union was known as St. Petersburg. In 1975 the Soviet Union won its biggest bet with the West , launched the very first space ship , Sputnik 1 into space. The same year Sputnik 2 made a similar journey with the first living being – the dog, Laika – unfortunately however she never returned. Four years later , Yuri Gagarin ,the first man to fly to space and return became a national hero. Although they didn’t manage to be the first to set foot on the moon , the Russians widely developed spatial  programmes and continuously broke records of living … in orbit.

Due to the political developments and events in the 1990’s the communist regime changed radically. The inexhaustible natural resources attracted a great deal of investors and as a result the capital found itself managing the largest share of the worldwide economy. The result of which was the creation of a new elite with an extremely high standard of living , the New – Russians. Moscow today is considered to be one of the most expensive cities in the world , although the income of the majority of the working class is low thus resulting in a large number of the population living under truly poor conditions and lacking even the basics.

Despite all this , the charm that the city offers its visitors continues to portray its dynamic history, the Russian revolution , Stalinism , Perestroika , missions to space , black caviar ,vodka , Bolshoi ballet are just few of the reasons why it is definitely worth making the trip to Moscow.

Most of the cities sights and attractions can be found in the center which is circled by the gardens and the imposing avenues. So your best bet is to stay near the center and more specifically at the Hotel Park Hyatt Ararat, only a breath away from the Bolshoi Theatre , the Kremlin , the Red Square, St. Basil Cathedral and Lenins’ mausoleum .

To enjoy the best view of all these attractions visit the hotels Conservatory Lounge Bar on  the  10th  floor. The wavy glass ceiling and the huge glass windows offer a panoramic view whilst one can enjoy  light , healthy snacks , cocktails and sushi.

The executive room with its comfortable king size bed and fluffy pillows provides a generous work area and complimentary wireless internet access.

The bathroom has heated flooring , walk- in shower and luxurious Blaise Mautin amenities.

The 180 square meter Ambassador Suite with the atmosphere of a personalized home is decorated with modern, authentic works of Art and crystal chandeliers.

A kitchenette and a private dining room which seats 10, jetted spa tub and a 40’ TV.

In the lobby one can find the Cafe Ararat which is considered to be one of the trendiest gastronomic spots of the city. One can taste a large variety of Russian vodkas accompanied perfectly with black Beluga caviar , blinis with sour cream and Zakushi hors d’oeuvres . Every Sunday a brunch is served with a wide variety of local delicacies.

Finally the hotels’ Quantum Spa & Health Club boasts a rejuvenating Russian Deep Tissue massage.

And don’t forget to take dip in the indoor pool or visit the Russian steam bath whilst the temperature outside may even be below zero!

With Gratitude T.

Badrutt Palace -Top of the world!

January 14, 2012 By in Unique Rooms Tags: , , , , , , , Leave a comment

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Badrutt’s Palace Hotel, situated amidst breathtaking and unspoiled scenery, has long been hailed as a landmark in the centre of St.Moritz and is the ultimate expression of the Swiss Alps region. A favorite of celebrities and royalty alike since its opening in 1896, Badrutt’s Palace Hotel offers 157 guestrooms including 38 suites  with stunning views of the Swiss Alps.

Badrutt’s Palace Hotel is a celebration of style, sports, cuisine and fashion, with discreet service and traditional elegance evoking an atmosphere of pampered luxury for all. An ideal destination in both winter and summer, as the hotel is located in one of the most challenging, ski areas in the world and offers a large variety of summer activities. Guests find the ultimate in relaxation in the Palace Wellness, exciting nightlife at the King’s Club, and world-renown cuisine in the hotel’s restaurant –including Nobu-and nearby Chesa Veglia.

Amid the crystal lakes and majestic peaks of the Swiss Alps a unique place has been created which unites specialized wellness facilities and treatments in conjuction with the nature and beauty of the Engadin valley.”Palace Welness” is a refuge designed to follow the excellence , tradition and history of the Badrutt’s Palace Hotel.

St Moritz is regarded as the birthplace of winter tourism in the Alps: sophisticated travellers have been visiting St. Moritz since the middle of the 19th century, even in the coldest season of the year. Johannes Badrutt was the pioneering host who enticed the first holidaymakers to the magical snowscape of the Upper Engadin. Even 115 years after the opening of Badrutt’s Palace Hotel, this luxury hotel still represents superiority in its offer and service!

With Gratitude T.