The Small Luxury Hotels of the World™ (SLH) portfolio is continuing to expand with a number of particularly notable new hotels openings joining the revered brand this year. From Avant-guard architecture in Miami to a carbon-neutral eco lodge in The Galapagos Islands and a converted 20th century palace in Madrid, this pick of new hotel additions highlights the ever growing diversity of the SLH collection.Vintro Hotel & Kitchen, Miami, USA – Opened July 2014
Vintro Hotel & Kitchen is a sophisticated new addition to SLH boasting 50 rooms and six suites. Located in the heart of the South Beach cultural district, the hotel is situated in an ideal location; close to the nightlife, the Bass Museum of Art, The New World Symphony and just steps away from the ocean. Guests can hire bikes from the hotel to tour the neighbouring areas, or charter the hotel’s ‘Vintro’ yacht with its crew and sail to the Biscayne Bay. Hotel amenities include an alluring interior courtyard leading to an alfresco dining area overlooking Collins Canal, a freshwater pool with a steam room and Jacuzzi, and a luxurious rooftop lounge and bar. The dining experience will be led by Executive Consulting Chef Giorgios Bakatsias who is collaborating with Chef de Cuisine, Keith Suarino; with signature dishes including salt crusted Florida red snapper with citrus and herbs and crispy calamari bruschetta.
Pikaia Lodge, Santa Cruz Island, the Galapagos – Opening September 2014
The new Pikaia Lodge will soon become the first SLH property to open in Ecuador, located in the centre of the Galapagos on Santa Cruz Island. The carbon-neutral lodge represents the next step in the evolution of luxury eco-adventure. With the 14 rooms nestled amongst the slopes of two extinct volcano craters, Pikaia Lodge offers expansive views of the arid savannah of the adjacent Galapagos National Park and spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean and nearby islands. Taking advantage of its central location, the hotel operates daily land and sea tours on its private yacht, as well as making use of its facilities including its own giant tortoise reserve, a gourmet restaurant, a bar and relaxing spa, and a beautiful pool.
Urso Hotel & Spa, Madrid, Spain – Opening September 2014
Urso Hotel & Spa will open its doors on 1 September 2014, making it Madrid’s first five-star boutique property. The early 20th century palace has been meticulously restored, creating a well-designed contemporary building with 78 rooms and suites. Nestled in between the Chamberi and Chueca neighbourhoods, the hotel is situated only five minutes from the city centre, perfect for exploring all that Madrid has to offer from its shopping, the “golden triangle” featuring the Reina Sofia, the Prado and the Thyssen-Bornemisza, and its unrivalled nightlife. The 78 sleek and stylish rooms have been decorated with a blend of honey-toned woods, marble floors, fine fabrics and scattered rugs. Hotel amenities include a lap pool, fitness centre, stylish lounge bar and restaurant and Madrid’s first luxury branded spa by Spanish skincare specialist Natura Bissé, winner of Best Luxury Spa Brand in 2012 and 2013.
Please note: photo credit – Small Luxury Hotels of the World
