Category Archives: Unique Rooms

MNEMBA ISLAND- Vacations on the island of fantasy!

July 24, 2015 By in Unique Rooms Tags: , , Leave a comment

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On the northern coast of Zanzibar there is a paradise spot called the Mnemba Atoll. A perfect romantic hideaway and a true barefoot beach paradise are ready to accommodate up to 20 guests in perfectly designed traditional “bandas”.
And Beyond Mnemba Island lodge is a true fantasy-island experience for the guests. From snorkeling, swimming and kayaking to massages on the beach or even doing nothing at all, Mnemba has something for everyone.
If you had ever the secret wish of being the sole inhabitant of a beautiful tropical island, without having to lift a finger to fend for yourself, &Beyond’s Mnemba Island is just the place for you! Discover a true, unpretentious paradise on this private island, where simple pleasures become your most treasured of memories for many years to come. Relax and unwind in the exclusivity of your own stretch of beachfront, where simple yet luxurious bandas peep out onto unblemished sands from the dappled shade of the local pine forest.
Mnemba Island has a fully equipped Dive Centre and offers a full range of diving activities. If you are experienced, the Diving Instructor will guide you on fantastic dives around Mnemba Atoll. If you are a beginner, the Instructor will introduce you to a whole new world of mystery, wonder and beauty. Explore the warm Indian Ocean waves in utter tranquility in a deep sea kayak built for two. Ask one of Mnemba’s Diving Instructors for a quick tutorial session or set off with your partner on the quiet waters protected by the island’s surrounding reefs.
Spend a leisurely morning on the beach, snorkeling along nearby coral reefs or simply enjoying the sunshine. After a brief siesta, it’s time to meet the diving instructors and venture into the balmy ocean waters. A short boat ride takes you out to the reefs, where you can explore the colorful marine life. If you happen to spot a pod of dolphins, simply jump in and swim with these sociable sea creatures. When you get back from your dive, wash off the salt in the glass beaded shower. There’s time to relax before a succulent seafood dinner, served right on the beach, with your toes in the sand. Stroll along the ocean’s edge before you drift off to sleep with the haunting sound of the waves playing in your head.
Mnemba Island provides financial and accounting support to an experimental program that has introduced 6 Fish Aggregating Devices (FAD) West of north-eastern Zanzibar. The hotel aspires that over time local fishermen will be able to obtain sufficient catches of tuna and other species from the FADs, and reduce impact on the fragile coral reefs. Mnemba Island provides a safe breeding refuge for green sea turtles that lay their eggs above the island’s high tide mark. Mnemba staff monitors and documents all turtle breeding activities and briefs local marine biologists. A number of individual turtles have been tagged under the auspices of Zanzibar Department of Fisheries and Marine Resources.

With Gratitude, T.

AMAN CANALE GRANDE VENICE- A habitable work of art in Venice !

July 20, 2015 By in Unique Rooms Tags: , , Leave a comment

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Aman Canal Grande, one of the city’s most illustrious residences, built on water, is located at the centre of Venice, the most fabled destination of glorious history, architecture, art and romance. Aman Resorts selected the 16th-century Venetian palazzo, owned by Count Giberto Arrivabene Valenti Gonzaga and his wife, Countess Bianca di Savoia Aosta Arrivabene that overlooked the Grand Canal from San Polo, to “give birth” to their “only-child. San Polo is one of the oldest districts, in a city listed as an UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the hotel is just a “gondola ride” away from Rialto Bridge.
Overlooking Venice’s main thoroughfare, Aman Canal Grande is surrounded by vaporetti, gondolas and gracious 200- to 700-year-old buildings. Your gondola ride will land just in front of the hotel, at its great dock leading directly into the palazzo’s Reception Hall. Most of the guests are high society members or Hollywood stars; Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, Andrea Bocelli, Lana del Rey, Bono and Cindy Crawford are just a few of them.

ARCHITECTURE
Palazzo Papadopoli, built in 1550, was part of Vera Papadopoli Alborandini’s dowry. This is where Aman is housed, a gracious brainchild of building architect Gian Giacomo dé Grigi, commissioned by the Coccina family of Bergamo. Over the years, the Palazzo was owned by the Tiepolo family and other high-class Italian families. At the very beginning of the 19th century, it was bought by Nicolò and Angelo Papadopoli Aldobrandini. The internal decorative plan was entrusted to Michelangelo Guggenheim, who turned the Palazzo into a significant example of Venetian style hotel, combining Neo-Renaissance and Rococo art styles. Michel Gathy and Denniston International Architects enriched the hotel with all the luxury comfort expected from a “grande” hotel like this one.
Upon their arrival, guests are lead to Aman’s palatial reception hall, adorned with Gothic-style iron chandeliers hanging from the soaring ceilings, historic frescos, and sculptures that give a sense of bygone luxury. The silk damasks on the walls by Rubelli, the ancestral portraits and the paintings from the owner Count Arrivabene’s personal collection create an ambiance more reflective of a royal residence than a hotel. The astonishing grand staircase, with trompe l’oeil murals, leading to the elegant piano nobile catches guest’s eye, along with the floor-to-ceiling windows.
Amanresorts’ minimalist aesthetic is part of the hotel’s interior contemporary design and is not entirely absent from the 24 guest rooms, wholly decorated by Jean-Michel Gathy, and along with the Palazzo Stanza suites, offer spectacular views over the Grand Canal. Wenge-wood furnishing by B&B Italia, fabric wall panels and fresco ceilings are some of the rooms’ special features. The rooms impeccably connect the dressing areas and bathrooms with the bedrooms. As Gathy himself mentioned about the suites’ bathrooms, “[They] have been the areas where we have been able to combine the best of the contemporary style with… masterpiece ceilings and heavy chandeliers, plus the best Italian craftsmanship and suppliers, to achieve an amazing contemporary design detailing…” There are four suite categories of different design, along with the regular “royal” guestrooms – Palazzo Bedroom, Palazzo Chamber, Palazzo Stanza etc. Apart from these guestrooms, Maddalena Stanza is a historic room with high, frescoed ceilings and silk wall coverings. A glorious chandelier is hanging in the bathroom and the windows offer wonderful views over the Garden Terrace and the Grand Canal. Sansovino Stanza, originally called “The Hall of the Four Doors”, is designed by Jacopo d’Antonio Sansovino, a famous Venetian architect of the 16th century. Moreover, there is Alcova Tiepolo Suite that features a Chinese painted sitting room and a bedroom ceiling by Giovanni Battista Tiepolo, the “greatest decorative painter of 18th-century Europe”, as once written, and Canal Grande Suite, located above the front door of the palazzo, offering a full spectrum of the canal’s maritime activities through its arched windows.

Room-Tip: The staff enthusiastically says that Papadopoli Stanza is the very best room. Not only the spectacular view, but also the glided stucco, the crystal radiators and the king-size bed, along with the fireplace and the large tub in the spacious bathroom, are inviting guests to an unforgettable experience of luxury and comfort. You are welcomed to relax in a bubble bath while drinking and enjoying the canal views.

FOOD – DRINK
If you are ready for an Italian and more gastronomic experience, then Aman Canal Grande Venice’s Red and Yellow dining rooms, overlooking the Grand Canal and the resort’s Garden Terrace, are the right choices for you. The colorful walls covered by silk linens, along with the mirrors, the frescos, the chandeliers and the ballroom create the perfect scenery to enjoy a tasteful Thai or Venetian meal. Chef recommends stir-fried fish with red chilli or black squid-ink risotto. Chef Naoki Okumura blends perfectly the best of Kyoto’s flavors with European cuisine.
An afternoon tea, coffee or aperitif is available at the Roof Terrace, where the stunning view of the city will take your breath away. This traditional altana on the fifth floor – a rooftop terrace with great views of the chimney pots and the old artistic Venetian buildings – is the ideal location to relax while enjoying an espresso or a unique cocktail and watching the sun sets. Moreover, from the main hall there is direct access to the resort’s private gardens. Garden Terrace is one of the few private gardens on the canal with green grass and plenty of mature trees and flowers, creating a relaxing oasis at the center of Venice.

George Clooney’s and Amal Alamuddin’s wedding is just one the many Hollywood weddings that took place in Venice, confirming the city’s established position as one of the top 5 romantic destinations. Many popular couples have chosen a Venetian place to exchange or renew their vows, such as actress Salma Hayek and François-Henri Pinault at the Teatro La Fenice opera house. Aman Grande Canal Venice is just the perfect place to plan your royal wedding, living the fairytale.

SPECIAL FEATURES
Two of the hotel’s hot spots are the great Library and the Salon. The Library is the perfect retreat with historical books, magazines and newspapers. The Salon, on the other hand, is a stylish lounge with a huge piano, where you can take a break and enjoy the outstanding view of the Grand Canal. Last but not least, there is also a Spa, open from 10:00 am to 09:00 pm, on the third floor. Uniquely designed treatment rooms welcome you to kickback and pumper yourself with a facial and body treatment.
As Arthur Symons said “A realist in Venice would become a romantic by mere faithfulness to what he saw before him…” Would you miss the chance to be part of this change?

With Gratitude, T

Mondrian London: An iconic nautical style hotel

April 6, 2015 By in Uncategorized, Unique Rooms Tags: , , , Leave a comment

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Mondrian London at Sea Containers is not just another luxury hotel in the British Metropolis. It has been created at the iconic Sea Containers House, a former office block building.
The hotel, located between the Oxo Tower and Blackfriars Bridge, has 359 guestrooms and suites. Guests will immediately be drawn to the giant, copper clad wall inspired by the hull of a ship, running from outside the building, through to the lobby and on to the river side of the hotel. Experience underwater tranquility and specialized treatments at aqua Bathhouse & Spa, taste delicious food made with local ingredients at Sea Containers restaurant, where outdoor seating along the river walk is also available, and sample innovative cocktails from Mr Lyan at Dandelyan with its iconic green marble bar and dramatic views of the Thames.
The most glamorous among its spaces is the rooftop bar, Rumpus Room, with its glass box structure and outdoor terrace, featuring panoramic views over London. Uniquely reflecting the urban feel of the Southbank neighborhood, Mondrian London is within walking distance from world-famous landmarks, such as Tate Modern, Royal Festival Hall, the National and Globe theatres, as well as Borough Market and the London Eye.
Sea Containers restaurant, inspired by the golden age of transatlantic travel and the bounty of local fresh produce, combines the best of England and America, creating a restaurant that is refined in its offering, yet youthful and casual in its experience. Dandelyan Bar is a journey of discovery where new tastes and unexpected combinations can be experienced and enjoyed in an interior designed by Tom Dixon. The Den lounge, situated between Sea Containers Restaurant and Dandelyan Bar, is the perfect place to sip a cup of tea, enjoy a game of backgammon or share a bottle of wine with friends. Rumpus Room is the rooftop bar & lounge at Mondrian London inspired the bohemian lifestyle of the 1920s socialites the Bright Young Things. One of the most extraordinary cults of youth and frivolity in history, the Bright Young Things were a voracious pleasure-seeking band of bohemian party-givers and blue-blooded socialites who romped through the newspaper columns in 1920s London. Rumpus Room brings back this era, a time when a party was more than a party, it was a lifestyle, an experience, a flash in time, that was gone before you knew it happened.
Besides the panoramic view to the river, Mondrian London has another unique feature to offer, a renowned 56-seat cinema on the studio level. Working with Curzon, Mondrian London screens a range of new releases, classic matinées and family favorites in a luxury cinema from Friday evenings through Sunday, completed with state-of-the-art projection and sound systems.
Designer Tom Dixon said about this project: “Our proposal was really about trying to find the best of America and the best of Britain and applying them in one space. The more we developed that narrative, the more fun we had, and it justified the idea of an American hotel in London. Our challenge was to find a way of giving it a broad appeal while also creating a boutique hotel”.

With Gratitude, T.

London Edition: A state of the art theatrical boutique hotel

March 5, 2015 By in Uncategorized, Unique Rooms Tags: , , Leave a comment

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When talking about art, entertainment and history, London is the best travel destination. Walking a 10-minute distance from Piccadilly Circus and Theatreland, in the heart of Fitzrovia district, you’ll find yourself standing in front of one of the – five circa 1835 – Georgian townhouses. This spectacular renovated building is now the establishment of London Edition Hotel. Located at this historically bohemian area of Greater London, London Edition Hotel is a state-of-the-art hotel, preserving the fine attitude of the landmark building and blending the past with the present in a unique way. As Sorenson says “This is a hotel for people who want more than just bed and breakfast—this hotel has depth”.

ARCHITECTURE
A historical neighborhood once walked by personas like Virginia Woolf and George Bernard Shaw, Fitzrovia nowadays hosts the best in art, design, shopping and food and drink in London. London Edition’s design and architecture create a very balanced, yet powerful, synthesis of old and new, where the past meets the present in pure harmony. Ian Schrager is the brain-father of this establishment, known as the great hotelier who invented the boutique-hotel idea. With the help of Marriott International they are responsible for the outstanding result of 10 Berners Street. The building maintains a pure Belle Époque atmosphere of grandeur, while with its latest restoration in 2010 – by Yabu Pushelberg firm – achieves a grounded feel.
The first thing that catches your eye in the interior is the lobby, which is constructed as a theater in natural shades of brown; a Schrager’s idea, who said “This is my best work”. The restored stucco ceiling with the two bronze chandeliers, along with the stained-glass windows and the marble floors are the best parts of the interior design; Trunk Archive’s photographs on the walls and portraits by photographer Hendrik Kerstens also grab the attention. The furnishing varies from formal wood to rustic, with Christian Liaigre’s black metal pieces playing their part.
London Edition Hotel numbers 173 rooms and suites, all of them individually decorated with wood as a main element and elegant white marble in the bathrooms. The neutral color palette on the walls and furnishing creates a cozy and minimal-chic atmosphere in the spacious bedrooms. The rooms’ contemporary decoration includes a great range of king sized beds and sofas, along with armchairs and slipper chairs, with George Smith’s signature, matching faux-fur throws and other linens, like silk rugs on the floor, that add a unique feeling of warmth and intimacy. It’s like a home far from home, as one would say. Modern walnut desks and tables, along with the provided i-Pads and laptops, help guests to stay connected with the outside business world. Hendrik Kerstens’ framed photographs decorate the walls. Bathrooms are all made of white marble by Le Labo’s modern designs.
Penthouse and Loft Suite are the best two choices of accommodation one can make. Their oversized Londong-viewing terraces are furnished with cast iron bistro tables and chairs, thus creating the perfect scenery. Loft Suite’s special feature is the open plan sitting area and the multiple windows – even in the bathroom – offering an extraordinary view of the city. Penthouse, with its separate living and dining areas and its walk-in spacious wardrobe, is like an apartment encompassed in a hotel. Just step outside at its landscaped terrace and enjoy a 360 degree view through London.

Room tip: What’s your favorite newspaper? London Edition Hotel’s staff, always at your disposal, will deliver it to your door on a daily basis.

FOOD – DRINK
As for food and drink, London Edition houses Berners Tavern, Punch Room and of course the famous Lobby Bar. Executive Chef Jason Atherton plays the leading role at Berners Tavern restaurant. From breakfast and lunch to fish and chips, Berners Tavern serves a great deal of contemporary dishes, blended with traditional British cuisine; Orkney scallop Carpaccio served with avocado, radish, jalapeño and lime and chargrilled quail served with Alsace bacon, smoked tomato jam are just two shining examples of Berners’ heavenly gastronomic menu. Punch Room is a hot-spot especially known for its extravagant cocktails; one of its cocktail-experts suggests the Punch Bowl – its main ingredients are jasmine tea and oak moss. Last but not least, is the astonish Lobby Bar, masterminded by Davide Segat and decorated with a mix of unique pieces, combining iconic British and modernized European style. In a theatrical dramatic atmosphere, Lobby Bar is focused on the cocktails. When asked about its theatre-lobby creation, Ian Schrager said that “The lobby has evolved. It’s now multiple venues for work and play—a new kind of gathering place.” Try the Elderflower Power Sour and the Hoax Martini from the cocktail list.

EVENTS
When it comes to events, London Edition’s specialists best know how to coordinate one. Private dining-room with 14 seats, Studio 1 Boardroom with 12 seats, Studio 2 Banquet with 40 seats and Studio 2 Hollow Square with 24 seats are all available for guests, providing great audio and visual services, along with laptops, i-Pads, fax machines and multilingual secretarial staff. A great mention needs to be made about the Basement Event Space, which is maybe the best way to celebrate a special occasion in London. Basement includes a reception for 220 guests, a banquet for 60, a theatre hall with 70 seats and a conference/boardroom for 30 guests. Patrick Woodruff’s unique design lends a touch of individuality to each room, creating a modern enlightening atmosphere. A DJ system and state-of-the-art audio and visual services are available, along with high-speed Wi-Fi access, throughout the hotel telephone conferencing.

SPECIAL FEATURES
London is best known for art and design. Edition Hotels recently announced a partnership with Sedition, offering an extraordinary experience by collecting art in digital format. Mat’s Collishaw art work, a dynamic lobby installation with works of famous British and international artists, like Jacco Olivier and Jenny Holzer, was created to be presented especially for London Edition’s opening.

Is there a best way to feel Art rather than living through it? Just a visit to London Edition Hotel will show you there isn’t.

With Gratitude, T.

D-Maris Hotel , exotic minimalism at the Datca Peninsula

June 25, 2014 By in Unique Rooms Tags: , , , , , Leave a comment

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Considered to be the best hotel in the Turkish Riviera, the D-Maris Hotel is located at the Datca Peninsula. It is situated up on the hillside which offers to the visitors breathtaking views of the of the Mediterreanean Sea. The hotel is surrounded by pine tree forests, small seckluded islands and volcanic mountains. It is situated where the Mediterrranean meets the Aegean Sea, where anyone can enjoy relaxing moments in the natural private beaches.

As far as the interior design is concerned, the D-Maris epitomizes the notion of luxury in every aspect combining the exotic elements of the East and modernity of the West through the notion of minimalism. The D-Maris is designed in natural stone and all material used for its construction is totally compatible to the surroundings. Dark wood, limestone and Turkish marble are the main elements that were used in creating its premises.

SPA
A couple of months ago, ESPA, the D- Maris Hotel spa ,opened its doors after the latest renovation and offers the visitor a great opportunity to relax and enjoy traditional Ottoman spa services such as the opulent marble Hammam room and escape into an oasis of peace and relaxation. There is a vitality pool, seven treatment rooms, a relaxation lounge and one Private Spa Suite. Male and female changing rooms offer their own heat experiences with experience showers, ice fountain, a sauna with floor to ceiling windows overlooking the gardens for men and a steam room for women.
RELAX

At the egde of the Aegean sea, one can enjoy swimming in the crystal clear waters and sunbathing in one of the five private beaches covered with pearly sand imported from Egypt, always respecting the surrounding nature. Each one of the beaches has its own characteristics and vibe depending on what the visitor seek. Each one of the five stunning natural sanded beaches offers their own individual concept for guests at D-Hotel Maris; Bay beach has been awarded the prestigious Blue Flag rating. The Bay is largest beach, also features DJ performance in the afternoon and offers for lunch à la carte snack menu and dinner buffet; the “Breeze” beach is located next to the Aegean restaurant; the “Silence” beach is for those wishing a quieter area to relax; the “Executive” beach features six stylish cabanas especially dedicated for Executive Club Lounge guests and “Coliseum” beach at the tip of the peninsula benefits from both the calmer sea and windier side.

DINING

Dining in the D- Maris in all these exquisite settings is a true foodie experience. But the great news are that Zuma, the well known award-winning international restaurant that was featured as a pop up restaurant last summer, reopened permanently serving all its signature dishes. The venue will showcase Zuma’s award-winning restaurant, lounge and bar concept, based around the ‘izakaya’ style of shared eating and drinking and three kitchens including a robata grill and sushi counter. Zuma will also feature an exceptionally talented team to deliver world-class levels of service including mixologists.

Enjoy elegant dining in exquisite settings while our expert chefs present you with inspiring menus featuring the freshest local seafood, fruit and vegetables as well as the finest assortment of meats – all prepared to the highest culinary standards. The selection includes breakfast and five à la carte restaurants. The white, sandy, blue flagged bay boasts of three extraordinary restaurants in which to dine whilst taking in stunning views of the Aegean coastline. Man.Zara serves traditional Turkish cuisine, for meat lovers, the new Grill 93 restaurant flies in the finest steak from Istanbul and Bellariva introduces Italian cuisine to the resort with a Florentine head chef serving traditional pasta and pizza dishes. The gourmet SPICE restaurant situated on the terrace serves the finest in refined Asian dining and The Breeze will continue to serve Aegean cuisine with fresh fish and seafood dishes.

Α couple of hours from Istanbul, this serene and beautiful resort welcomes us to relax and enjoy the exotic environment in such a historic area, near the sacred ancient temple of Aphrodite of Knidos. What a better place to spend your holidays than this heaven on earth?

With Gratitude, T

 

 

Kulm Hotel St.Moritz- Traditional elegance meets modern-day comfort

February 2, 2014 By in Unique Rooms Tags: , Leave a comment

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Right in the centre of St. Moritz, overlooking the nearby lake, lies Kulm Hotel St. Moritz. Within its noble walls awaits an incomparable aura that is founded on 150 years of traditional hospitality.
The renowned Kulm Hotel St. Moritz is not just another luxury hotel. It opened its doors for the first time in 1856 and its founder, Johannes Badrutt, initiated a tradition that remains very much alive till today. The mission of Kulm Hotel St. Moritz was to provide each of its guests, young or old, with a cherished and unforgettable memory. It is characterized not only by style, but also by originality. It was here at Kulm Hotel where the first electric arc light in Switzerland was lit and here in St. Moritz where in 1928 and 1948 the Winter Olympic Games were officially opened.
In this hotel the original deco is very well preserved and so it the state-of-the-art infrastructure. The distinguishing mark of the decorative art of the building is its combination of late 19th century elegance and local, Engadine elements.
Kulm Hotel St. Moritz is definitely a family hotel. All children are welcomed and a varied, quality program will make a stay at pleasant and enjoyable for the entire family. Most of the hotel’s rooms can be linked to each other via a communicating door, which makes them particularly suitable for relaxed family holidays.
Kulm Hotel St. Moritz is not only for winter vacations. It offers an amazing alpine sports and adventure program. The summer programs are exclusively addressed to adults and children aged 12 and up. The program is designed so as to give guests the opportunity to discover exciting adventures with the hotel’s experienced guides. So, they become familiar with the Alpine world and get a close-up look from the experts.
As a luxury hotel, Kulm Hotel St. Moritz has various dining spots, which guests can choose from. The Grand restaurant, presenting a discreet elegance, offers to guests a true gastronomic experience. A 6-course menu is available as a half board evening meal, plus a delicious selection of exclusive à la carte dishes. A more casual choice would be The Pizzeria. A typical Italian trattoria specializing in refined pasta dishes, pizza, as well as meat and fish selections that are sure to please the most discerning diners. The delicious wood-oven baked pizzas are also particularly popular. Another recommended place to eat, would be Chesa al Parc, located at the entrance of Kulm Park. Its beautiful sun terrace combines sporting elegance with the rustic charm of a cozy Engadine-style restaurant. It is the perfect place to dream or meet friends. Snacks, daily menus, coffee and delicious homemade cakes are available throughout the day. In the evening, the guests can taste various Swiss specialties and international cuisine among gourmet enthusiasts and connoisseurs. Make sure to visit Sunny Bar in the evening to enjoy the Jazz happenings on Fridays and Saturdays, where guest pianist and singers are performing!
The hotel is everything you would expect of a 5-star Hotel, with its efficient and friendly staff attending to every need of yours. Kulm Hotel St. Moritz is a place you would certainly consider revisiting!

With Gratitude, T.

Luxury Italian design: The Bulgari Hotel in Milan !

February 20, 2013 By in Unique Rooms Tags: , , , , , , Leave a comment

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Bulgari Hotel, a veritable haven of peace in the heart of the frenetic city centre, is surrounded by a private garden of 4000 square meters and is ideally located on a private street near Via Montenapoleone, Via della Spiga and La Scala Opera. The hotel has 58 rooms and suites overlooking either the garden of the hotel, either to the nearby botanical gardens. The Bulgari Suite, located on the top floor offers spectacular views over the historic center.

The design was created by architect Antonio Citterio firm and Partners, in accordance with bold and contemporary style house Bulgari, using rare and precious materials to create unusual color combinations and harmonies: black marble from Zimbabwe in the public areas, Vicenza stone and Turkish aphyon in the spa, hard teak and traditional white oak in the intimate bedrooms and suites.

An enormous oval bar divides the hotel restaurant, and dominates the cocktail lounge that looks out over the veranda. This space has been intelligently separated into two parts to avoid destroying the harmony of the restaurant. For cigar and spirit connoisseurs, a very cosy smoking-room is available adjacent to the restaurant – perfect if the weather is good.

One is taken aback by the hotel spa where, in sumptuous and elegant surroundings, the daylight shines through the glass façade and glints off of the golden mosaics in the swimming pool. As for the Turkish bath, its green-tinted glass walls bring to mind the mysterious emerald, BVLGARI’s signature gem.

The extremely spacious suites include a bedroom, a large lounge and a bathroom complete with freestanding bath and separate shower and toilet cubicles, entirely decorated in creamy travertine to accentuate the bright décor. The corridor, with its filtered lighting, instils a feeling of calmness and intimacy after entering through the impressively wide, airlock-style front doors.

According to Forbes, Milan’s Bulgari Hotel is one of the best hotels in Italy. A quiet oasis in a busy city, combined with contemporary Italian design and comfort. What else can you ask for?

With Gratitude, T.

Soho House – New york , New York!

January 23, 2013 By in Unique Rooms Tags: , , , , Leave a comment

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Soho House New York is a private members’ club and hotel in the heart of New York’s hyper-trendy Meatpacking District. It was founded in London, in 1995, as a private members’ club for those in film, media and creative industries. Soho House has since expanded to include Houses across Europe and North America, as well as restaurants, cinemas, spas and hotels.

This converted warehouse shot to fame shortly after opening when it was featured in an episode of Sex and the City. It still has a glamorous, celebrity-friendly vibe, and the SATC link is still felt, guests on the roof terrace are talking about it, and both Sarah Jessica Parker and Candace Bushnell (original author of the columns and book) are members.

Covering six floors, it is built over 45,000 square feet of an old warehouse building in the Meatpacking District. The club offers extensive facilities; the Restaurant, Club Bar, Drawing Room, Pantry Bar, a 44-seater cinema and a heated rooftop pool. The fourth and fifth floors each house private hire spaces; the Club Room, Screening Room and Library.

Soho House is famous for the over-the-top stylishness of it all. The trendy décor, cool guests, and, most significantly, a door policy that gives it an utterly exclusive feel. The rooftop pool and bar – rare indeed in Manhattan – is where the episode was filmed, and there is a certain appeal in lying on the same elegant white loungers on which the SATC four sunned themselves. It also has great views of the area, and is a glorious suntrap in late spring.

The third floor is home to the Cowshed spa. With treatment rooms, private eucalyptus steam rooms and relaxation space, Cowshed is somewhere to unwind and enjoy a wide range of body care and beauty treatments. Pretty parties for 8-10 people can be arranged, where guests have the full run of Cowshed in the evening and enjoy a combination of pampering treatments, dinner and wine.

In addition, Soho House New York runs as a hotel with 26 spacious bedrooms – each bespoke-designed. The style is understated and chic: an exciting mix of contemporary and retro furniture, surrounding a huge bed covered with ‘jump on me’ pillows and walk-in rainforest showers. Treats include a full range of Cowshed products in the bathrooms!

With gratitude, T.

Sky Hotel – A brilliant hotspot in Aspen!

December 4, 2012 By in Unique Rooms Tags: , , , Leave a comment

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The Sky Hotel, located in the heart of beautiful downtown Aspen, Colorado, has both the convenience of a premier ski-in mountain resort, as well as the chic finesse of an urban hotel. At The Sky Hotel, guests will enjoy modern, fun and fashionable accommodations, complete with comfy faux fur throws, luxurious linens, wonderful L’Occitane bath products and complimentary wireless Internet service. With 4,700 square feet of meeting space, Sky Hotel is the ideal choice for Aspen corporate retreats, and one amazing place for a unforgetable destination wedding. Best of all, guests can experience all that hip and fabulous Aspen has to offer, while cozying up to a warm fire and gazing at the breathtaking mountain views at 39 Degrees Lounge, just off the hotel lobby; “a brilliant hotspot on the Aspen see-and-be scene!”
The Sky Hotel is owned by Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants.

With Gratitude T.

Costa Navarino- The prime destination in the Mediterranean

November 19, 2012 By in Unique Rooms Tags: , , Leave a comment

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Luxury resort hotels, high-end residences and signature golf courses set against a backdrop of unspoiled scenery and 4,500 years of history!

Inspired by old Messinian mansions, the resort’s villa clusters use natural stone and local design elements, in perfect harmony with the virgin sandy beach and pristine hillside landscape.

Decorated with contemporary furniture, light wood and muted tones of sea and sand, each of Costa Navarino’s guest rooms features a private balcony overlooking the resorts’ olive groves and landscaped gardens.

The Westin Resort’s guests can enjoy a relaxing al fresco lunch, poolside refreshments and evening cocktails. Morias restaurant features a fresh-waffles-and-pancake station, while a wide variety of aromatic teas is served at the 1827 Lounge and Bar.

Guests can indulge at the Anazoe Spa & Thalassotherapy featuring an indoor pool or play a game of golf at the on-site Dunes Golf Course. Children will be delighted at the kids’ golf and kids’ tennis courts, the Navarino’s unique Sandcastle and the Cocoon playroom.

UNESCO World Heritage List sites, including famous Olympia, Mystras and the Temple of Apollo Epicurius, as well as Ancient Messini, the Palace of Nestor, are all within driving distance!

With Gratitude T.