Chedi, Luštica Bay
Put on your sunnies. Known as an escape for celebrities and royalty since Sophia Loren was queen of the screen, Balkan beaches are where those in the know go to disappear. The latest hotspot? The five-star Chedi, Luštica Bay, nestled within the town’s prominent Marina Village neighbourhood. Designed by acclaimed TVS Design with interiors by GG & Grace, it was created for the modern traveller looking for five-star amenities and a delightful seaside experience. It will be the second European iteration of the Chedi (the first is in Andermatt, Switzerland, where ODH is constructing a luxury year-round village) and among the largest 5-star hotels in the area, offering 111 rooms, 60 of which will be hotel condominiums. It will also include two restaurants, a bar, conference and business centre, an outdoor pool, spa and fitness centre featuring indoor heated pool and gymnasium and ancillary facilities.
Morpheus
Designed by Zaha Hadid, the late Pritzker Prize-winning architect, the much-awaited Morpheus in the Meco Resort & Entertainment’s City of Dreams, has just opened its doors. Inspired by jade artefacts, the building’s design is the world’s first free-form exoskeleton-bound high-rise architectural composition, including a series of voids within the building implies an abstract figure of eight. The hotel hosts approximately 770 five-star guest rooms, suites and villas, including three ultra-luxurious pool villas and six duplex villas. Legendary chef Alain Ducasse is building the World of Ducasse, a global culinary first that includes an entire floor dedicated to two restaurants and a bar. Continuing its commitment to French culinary style, the hotel’s Pierre Hermé Lounge marks the first partnership between the French brand and a hotel property in Greater China. And the exquisite spa features a Snow Garden installation – the first spa concept in the world to feature real snow.
Bulgari Hotels and Resorts, Shanghai
Known for their contemporary extravagance, Bulgari Hotels and Resorts has announced their newest addition in China. Designed by Italian architects Antonio Citterio and Patricia Viel, the property combines a 48-floor tower and the restored Chamber of Commerce Shanghai building from 1916. Located on the top 8 floors of the Tower, it offers stunning views of the iconic Bund, the sky towers of Pudong’s financial district and Huangpu River and Suzhou Creek. The hotel interiors feature Italian furnishings custom-made by revered brands such as B&B, Maxalto, Flos and Flexform. Six signature-dining options include: Il Ristorante-Niko Romito, curated by Michelin-starred chef Niko Romito, Il Bar and La Terrazza on the rooftop. On the ground floor: China’s first Bulgari Il Cioccolato and Il Giardino, an enchanting outdoor space which welcomes guests with a selection of wines and gelato. And should guests need another way to indulge, the decadent Bulgari spa awaits. bulgarihotels.com/
Katikies Mykonos
It’s what we all long for: a text from the love of our lives saying ‘Meet me in Mykonos.’ This summer, the newly opened Agios Ioannis, Katikies Mykonos is making it easier than ever to plan a romantic escape. The five-star boutique hotel is just a stone’s throw from the soothing Aegean and boasts a direct sea view. Accommodations feature white-washed walls and private balconies and Jacuzzis available in select suites. Revive your senses in the abyss of the spa or with a refreshing swim in the crystalline waters of the hotel’s beach-inspired infinity pool. Top tip: Island hop via a private cruise on one of Katikies Mykonos’ private Riva Boats to the ‘Cycladic Sisters.’ The trip includes Mykonos, ancient Delos and Rhenia takes guests around the islands and to their extraordinary turquoise coves. Jump straight from the boat into the crystal-clear waters to admire the underwater life.
Nobu, Riyadh
Distinctively Saudi, yet unmistakably Nobu, downtown Riyadh is about to become home to the renowned cosmopolitan brand—as it claims the honour of being the very first 5-star luxury boutique hotel in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Alive with the spirit of contemporary design, its arabesque architecture includes innovative printed, layered glass and well as light-reflecting sculptural details designed to balance public and private spaces. A modern masterpiece, the hotel is a 23-story glass panelled skyscraper rising proudly above the storied skyline, styled with distinctive design touches that reflect Nobu’s Japanese heritage. Its 134 spacious guest rooms and suites are artfully conceived with subtle Japanese and regional influence as envisioned by the Rockwell Group. The property also includes a spa, a full-service fitness facility, an exclusive executive club lounge, well-equipped meeting rooms, two ballrooms –and, of course, the Kingdom’s very first Nobu Restaurant. Due to open 1 August.
Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel and Residences Emirates Pearl
The iconic Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel and Residences Emirates Pearl has just opened its doors. Home to six restaurants and lounges, the timeless luxurious design celebrates local culture and history, incorporating heritage features, such as the natural Pearl, a historical and famously symbolic Abu Dhabi treasure. Located in the Corniche, it is close to generous beachfront promenades and stunning landmark city views that feature Emirates Palace, the Presidential Palace and The Founder’s Memorial. It has 332 rooms, 36 lavish suites, including the Presidential and Palatial Royal Suites, 60 full-service one and two-bedroom residences. Restaurants include the Italian destination, Verso, and the Pearl Lounge, as well as four other venues: Sahha, Aisu, LEXX and Bovine. Lum’a Spa has separate male and female areas including Hammam, sauna, steam bath and relaxation rooms, and a 50 meters long Infinity Pool.
Four Seasons Hotel + Residences Bengaluru at Embassy ONE
Set in the technology capital of India, the new Four Seasons Hotel + Residences Bengaluru at Embassy ONE follows the brand’s first successful launch of their Mumbai property. The 230-room Hotel, designed by HKS Architects and Studio u+a, with interiors by Yabu Pushelburg, will be located in the South Tower of the development, with the 105 Private Residences occupying the upper floors of the South Tower as well as all 30 floors of the North Tower. It will also offer guests three dining options: a 24-hour restaurant, a lobby lounge and bar, and an Asian brasserie and bar designed by LW Design Group. Guests and residents alike can enjoy a spa and salon, fitness centre, and meeting and event spaces. For a tech-free moment go out off the grid by just stepping outside. Landscape architects at P Landscape (PLA) designed a tranquil outdoor oasis, featuring a pool and waterfall, butterfly garden and ribbon lawn.
Capella Ubud
For those seeking a close encounter with nature, look no further than the deluxe tented camp experience at Capella Ubud, Bali. A true rainforest retreat, nestled within lush forest terrain and sloping rice terraces, is brought to life by award-winning architect Bill Bensley. Each of the 22 one-bedroom tented retreats and the two-bedroom lodge feature salt water pools, large outdoor decks and indoor and outdoor bathrooms. The retreat interiors carry a bespoke design theme based on the characters and professions of the early explorers, such as Captain, Naturalist, Cartographer, Translator, Toy Maker and Story Teller. Sensitivity to Ubud’s densely forested terrain was also a top priority– not a single tree was cut during the construction of the camp. And culinary options even include ‘The Camp Fire’, which offers hot chocolate and toasted marshmallows under the stars with a local storyteller. It’s the perfect place to start a new chapter.
Renaissance Hotel
Judging by the Nemo chairs by Italian tour-de-force designer Fabio Novembre, guests who’ve grown accustomed to a typical luxury hotel are in for a surprise. Designed by Claire Craig at WA International to reference the city’s built environment, the Marriot-owned property was created within an existing office tower in Dubai’s Business Bay district. It features 298 guest rooms and 65 suites, each with Burj Khalifa or Dubai Water Canal views and designer furnishings from Moroso, Carl Hansen, Lasvit and Draide. From the dynamic art installation of Dubai’s cityscape that commands guests’ attention as they arrive, to the photography in each room– and Pablo Picasso’s famed camel sketch reimagined into a playful 3D iron rod sculpture– the hotel was designed for an unforgettable experience. And it’s not only a design destination; it is the proud host of the premiere Morimoto restaurant in the U.A.E., also designed by Craig.
renaissance-hotels.marriott.com
SLS LUX Brickell
The newly opened SLS LUX Brickell is elevating luxury in Miami. Designed by famed architects Arquitectonica, the 57-story tower features the first LED façade by prominent lighting artist Ana Isabel Martinez. Its 70 guest rooms and suites—all steps away from Brickell City Centre, Miami’s newest and most extravagant shopping and lifestyle destination—were designed by Yabu Pushleberg. Culinary offerings include celebrity Chef Katsuya Uechi’s second Katsuya location. Its unprecedented range of 24-hour amenities available include: concierge services through touch screen iPad’s, valet parking, in-room
dining by Katsuya, as well as a luxury chauffeur experience from Lincoln. Art-lovers will enjoy Fernando Botero’s signature “Male Torso, 1992,” a massive 40,000-square foot exterior color block mural by Fabian Burgos, and work by renowned Argentine artist, Matias Duville.
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