AN ALPINE OASIS

A destination that's always been on my short list of places to visit is Salzburg, Austria. I guess I've always been drawn to this Alpine city for its history and my love for Mozart. Just an hour away from Salzburg and set smack in the middle of beautiful rolling hills, the Hotel Wiesergut re-opened its doors after a complex renovation and extension by GOGL Architekten. Their goal was to upgrade the existing traditional structure with purist architecture and transform it into a modern retreat that exudes organic warmth and comfort. By using local wood, natural stone, granite, glass and exposed concrete they created a timeless style putting nature at its center. The furnishings were entirely commissioned to Austrian designers who gave a contemporary twist to classic materials like linen and weather-beaten leather, all of which factor prominently in the hotel’s design concept. I'm really impressed with their attention to detail which gives the the hotel its harmonic and elegant overall impression. No doubt Hotel Wiesergut has become yet another reason for me to cross the pond and visit my beloved Salzburg.

Click to read more ...

URBAN CHIC

What started as a big dream and a project between two close friends, culminated in the first design hostel in São Paolo, Brazil. The stylish 'We' Hostel is housed in an early 1900s mansion, which adds character to the design of this low-cost inn. The urban chic decor is divine with a relaxed and unexpected mix of styles and restored flea market finds. Every space has an eclectic and interactive atmosphere that offers comfort, style and the refinement of any boutique hotel.

Click to read more ...

CONTEMPORARY PASSION

Behind the facades of four old town houses in the old part of Ljubljana city, Slovenia, lies the modern interiors of the Vander Urbani Resort. The hotel's design, by architects Sadar and Vuga, is based on a kaleidoscopic play of 3D patterns in different materials and reflections. All 16 rooms and suites are designed in soothing colors, soft lines, exquisite materials and custom-designed furniture pieces, creating an intimate atmosphere and a unique living environment for the stylish traveler. One of my favorite features is the mirror-encased bed in one of the suites and the unexpected play of textures and patterns that create a luxurious yet welcoming place to stay.

Click to read more ...

MODEZ-TY APPART

Every so often, I'm delighted to come across original hotels where the design concept is for every space to look completely different from each other. Recently opened, the Modez Hotel in Arnhem, The Netherlands offers its guests a unique experience through its eclectic look. Located in the middle of the city's Fashion District, thirty plus Dutch fashion designers were invited to design all twenty rooms of the hotel, each bringing a surprising concept that characterizes their personal styles. Although they're all wonderful, I happen to love the guestroom designed by Caroline Evers with her fun and quirky use of knits throughout the guestroom—including lamps, curtain, decorations and even chairs fully covered with knitting. Wouldn't it be interesting to have the chance to sleep in all twenty rooms and be pampered with so many different styles?

Click to read more ...

A MEMORABLE STAY

The moment we got off the taxi and saw the spectacular 19th-century façade of the Nobis Hotel in Stockholm, we knew we were in for a treat. We were welcomed by a enchanting and exotic aroma that permeated the hotel and made that first impression memorable. The lobby displays a stunning collage of different-sized spherical pendants that makes quite a statement—one more gorgeous than the other. The über chic interiors of the Nobis were conceived by Swedish design studio Claesson Koivisto Rune. The design is not loud, flamboyant or self-righteous, but toned-down and discreet, which makes its interiors tranquil and extremely welcoming. The atmosphere in the rooms is calm, relaxed and sophisticated, with a demure decor, a mellow color palette and an exquisite attention to details. Our room was dreamy and wonderfully comfortable with a beautifully view overlooking a popular square in Stockholm. The Nobis is not all about looks and charm. The unparalled service by its friendly staff is also noteworthy. By far, this is one of the coolest hotels I've ever stayed at.

Click to read more ...

A LUXE GETAWAY

Symbolic of its name and minimalist decor, White 1921 is the first boutique hotel for the world's leading luxury brand Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy  Set in St. Tropez’s mythical place des Lices, the exclusive hotel offers a mere eight rooms and suites, each divinely decorated in a chic and modern style. A selection of eclectic objects and splashes of colour here and there give each chambre its unique personality. If you've fallen in love with the place and you're already planning your trip to St. Tropez, you better hurry and book soon as the luxe inn is only open through October 7th. How exclusive is that? BTW. I'll be going up to Boston this weekend to help my best friend decorate his newly rented pad. So if you want to take a peed of the progress, follow me in Instagram (@thedesignerpad). Have a designful weekend!

Click to read more ...

UNDER THE CAPRI SUN

This charming, yet stunning boutique hotel is the perfect setting for a dreamy getaway. Part of the St. Micheles’ convent built in the XVII century, Capri Suite is a two-room inn located in the heart of the ancient village of Anacapri in the Italian paradise island of Capri. ZETASTUDIO Architects made some incredible design calls when putting together every single space in this lodge. A fresh and breezy color palette of blue and yellow pulls the whole seaside theme together deliciously. What about those modern and groovy furnishings in that old setting? It's over-the-moon fantastic. Capri is sounding really good right now!

Click to read more ...

A WELCOMING STAY

As you might know by now, I'm a hopeless junkie for the simplistic beauty of Scandinavian style—the reason why I've always wanted to go to the place where it all started and experience first hand the coolness of Nordic design. So guess what? A week from today, my dream will come true as we cross the pond for a much anticipated visit to Copenhagen and Stockholm. Did I tell you I'm up in the clouds of excitement? While doing my homework of searching for neat places to stay, one that caught my eye was the stunning STAY Copenhagen. A former hub for the city's creative elite before the renovation, the Apartment Hotel offers 12 different spacious and fully-equipped apartments types designed with comfortable Scandinavian minimalism by Danish furniture company HAY. In all honesty, I wouldn't mind spending a few days in any of these dreamy and fantastic pads while in the Danish capital.

Click to read more ...