From bold brand statements to bijoux boutique offerings – writer Pauline Brettell rounds up an eclectic list of the hotel openings on our radar this month…
A few of the names on this list, have been teasing us for a while with pipelines and impending openings and it is always exciting to see those architectural renders transformed into living, breathing designs. Scrolling down through this month’s hottest hotel openings, it is clear that the hotel design industry remains as eclectic and design-driven as ever. While some bold new architectural statements swing open the doors this month, it is as wonderful to see the trend of re-design making equally bold marks on the hotel landscape.
LUX* Belle Mare, Mauritius
Image credit: LUX* Belle Mare
The spirited, forward-thinking resort on the east coast of Mauritius, LUX* Belle Mare, has reopened with a striking new design where minimalism meets tropical island living. The property, situated on the island’s wild east coast, tucked away in lush tropical gardens near the quaint village of Belle Mare, has unveiled a refreshed look after more than a year of extensive renovations. The reimagined resort with its timeless architecture designed by renowned Mauritian architect Jean-Francois Adam, has been elevated with a striking new design whilst retaining its celebrated family ethos.
Taking the resort to new heights, the interiors have been conceived by internationally acclaimed Mauritian designer, Jean-Marc Tang, dedicated to creating a revitalised vision of hospitality in the region. With a fresh feel, look and style, Tang brings soothing shades of pastels, coral, greens and sand white to LUX* Belle Mare, taking cues from the surroundings.
One&Only Aesthesis
Image credit: One&Only Aesthesis
One&Only Aesthesis, the brand’s second hotel in Europe, is finally slated to open this month on the Athenian coast and the seafront of Glyfada. With a design that embodies the glamour of the Aegean, the 127 guestrooms, breathtaking suites and private villas, have all been designed to frame the natural beauty of the Grecian coastline. The architecture pays homage to mid-century design with high ceilings, woven leather, muted tones and accent patterns that embody the inherent beauty of a cosmopolitan Riviera.
The hotel is positioned in a 21-hectare seafront estate, within a six-hectare forest reserve, all only a short distance from the capital and its most iconic sites, such as the Acropolis, the Parthenon, Syntagma Square and Cape Sounio. In addition, the resort, overlooking a 1,600-metre shoreline, offers a statement beach club where guests and residents alike can gather and enjoy priceless views from sunrise to sunset. Like all the One&Only properties, the hotel will guarantee maximum privacy, offering most of the accommodation in independent villas, all with private pools, perfect for couples or families. Among the accommodation solutions available, the iconic Villa One has set new standards in terms of exclusivity.
The Radical
Image credit Matt Kisiday
The Radical has transformed a once abandoned 1920s’warehouse into Asheville’s newest destination, introducing 70 unmistakable guestrooms and suites alongside ambitiously original culinary concepts. Owned by Hatteras Sky and operated by Lark Hotels, the property has been designed as an unexpected collection of spaces, uses, businesses, offerings and of course, hotel rooms to reflect the fiercely independent and artistic communities of Asheville. The hotel is breathing new life into a once abandoned building while preserving beautiful evidence of its past lives — from a 1920s breakfast cereal factory to a graffiti artists’ vacant paradise. With rebel luxe interiors by Suomi Design Works, the hotel’s richly layered design effortlessly melds with towering raw concrete pillars, exposed brick walls and original street art, including work from decades past as well as modern additions.
W Sydney
image credit: Marriott International
The W Sydney is finally ready to make its debut in the city this month, making it the third W hotel in Australia, following the W Brisbane and the W Melbourne. The hotel marks the re-entry of W Hotels into Sydney and is part of ‘The Ribbon’ development. The 25 storey build designed by HASSEL, shelters 539 guestrooms, serviced apartments, along with an infinity pool, all with stunning views of the harbour.
Rising over Darling Harbour, there is no question that W Sydney instantly captures the eye. From the undulating lines of its exterior, to striking interiors that challenge the status quo and pay homage to its Sydney and NSW locale, W Sydney is daring and original. Seamlessly melding the tuned-in, luxury liberated W Hotels DNA with Sydney and Australia’s cultural touchstones, to create an all-encompassing day-to-night dining and social destination and a sleek retreat.
Mondrian Hong Kong
Image credit: Mondrian Hong Kong
In Mondrian Hong Kong, as with all the properties in the portfolio, design is at the centre of the experience, as the hotel is preparing to open its doors and poised to redefine hospitality in the region with a singular blend of design, art, performance and imagination. The Mondrian brand has always transformed and defined the neighbourhood in which it is found through a commitment to creativity, art and the unexpected. The Hong Kong incarnation continues in this tradition, arriving with a promise to shake things up. Its immersive, gallery-like interiors belong amid this landscape, featuring designs from the wild imagination of Karin Krautgartner. Each of its 324 rooms serve as a personal outlook for the guest, perched high above the bustling waters of Victoria Harbour.
Oaga Art Resort
Image credit: Oaga Art Resort
Situated in North Malé Atoll, Oaga Art Resort is an authentic all-inclusive art hotel in Maldives, tailored for curious travellers seeking to experience Maldivian history, art and culture. The resort is spearheaded by a young team with the vision to merge Maldivian artistry and creativity in the hotel industry. The art resort focuses on elevating the collective story of the Maldives islands with a platform especially made to cater for local artists and craftsmen, while embracing the tranquillity offered by the surrounding sun, sand and beaches.
The design incorporates the largest local art collection in the Maldives, tastefully displayed on the walls of its villas, as well as having the largest swimming pool mural in the region. The team is 90 percent Maldivian and passionate about travellers exploring a side to the Maldives beyond the ordinary. As an open community, each islander belonging to the team offer their own genuineness and insight, welcoming travellers to foster authentic connections. Oaga as a concept revolves around the philosophy of organic community growth and the resort is dedicated to its sustainability promise, with measures in place to protect the environment around them.
The Fifth Avenue Hotel
Image credit: The Fifth Avenue Hotel
Finally, ending on that aforementioned ‘bright and bijoux’ note, is The Fifth Avenue Hotel, is housed in one of New York City’s architectural masterpieces. The 153 jewel-like guestrooms and suites span two uniquely contrasting buildings – a 24 story silver tower with sweeping views of the skyline and an historic mansion designed by renowned architectural firm McKim, Mead and White. The interiors of both were at the work of Martin Brudzinski Design Studio and thoughtfully curated down to every detail.
The dazzling mirror-clad lobby welcomes you into the enchanting world of The Fifth and whether it’s the visionary design by Martin Brudnizki or the evocative art installations; a nightcap in The Portrait Bar or dancing in The Ballroom, the design ensures that every guest will come away with memories to cherish.
Main image credit: LUX* Belle Mare
