As we kick-off the New Year Design Hotels? welcomes nine new member hotel into the fold. These properties epitomize the ethos and values that Design Hotels? hold dear ? from sustainable smart architecture, the regeneration of treasured buildings to effortless living paired with mindful design. The new additions reach across three continents and introduce new destinations from the tranquil setting of Belize to the picturesque island of Sicily and the Caucasus Mountains of Georgia.
After celebrating a significant milestone in 2013 with the 20th anniversary celebrations, Design Hotels? is getting this year off to an exciting start, reaching new heights with a portfolio featuring over 260 member hotels in 170 destinations worldwide.
Miss Clara, Stockholm, Sweden
One of Stockholm?s most treasured Art Nouveau buildings, the former Ateneum girl?s school, is about to be reborn. Under the management of the dynamic Nobis Group, with Alessandro Catenacci at the helm, Miss Clara ? named after the school?s first headmistress Clara Str?mberg ? will be a welcome addition to the city?s hotel scene. Built in 1910, the old school building is in the process of been lovingly restored under the direction of Gert Wing?rdh. High ceilings, expansive windows and grand rooms, hallmarks of the building?s original architects Hagstr?m & Ekman, remain gloriously intact. All 92 rooms follow Wing?rdh?s unique concept of an outward-facing property, where the windows which overlook the popular Sveav?gen boulevard, are treated as ?center stage?. At street-level, a vibrant restaurant and bar will thrive on the urban buzz of the evolving Stockholm City district.
Hotel Bikini Berlin, Germany
Due to open at the end of January, 25hours Hotel Bikini Berlin is the first Berlin property from celebrated hotel group 25hours and is set to become an integral part of City West?s new legacy. Located in a 10-story high-rise, the hotel is part of a complex of 1950s-era historic buildings including the Zoopalast cinema and the so-called Bikinihaus, a unique post-war architectural icon. The transformation of the Bikini Berlin project ? including the hotel ? is being coordinated by local firm KEC Architects. Historical preservation has been a focus of the redevelopment, while at the same time creating a modern, progressive space. Thanks to the hotel?s location between Berlin?s zoo and Kaiser-Wilhelm-Ged?chtniskirche (memorial church) and the lively shopping street Kurf?rstendamm, there is a world of contrasts that can be seen from the hotel. Using the surrounding ?urban jungle? as inspiration the interior design, carried out by Studio Aisslinger ? with award winning maestro Werner Aisslinger leading the team ? reflects its unique location. One of the cornerstones of the project is the hotel?s rooftop bar and restaurant. With its wide-open design and 360-degree panorama the space offers views across the city.
Piet Boon Bonaire, Kralendijk, Bonaire
Just 30 miles from Cura?ao and 50 miles from Venezuela the inviting Caribbean island of Bonaire is a tranquil place edged by turquoise seas. Spaced out along the waterfront in Kralendijk, the island?s capital, sits Piet Boon Bonaire, a tropical collection of nine private villas. The property is designed and owned by world famous Dutch designer Piet Boon who is known for the subtlety of his choice of materials, colors and the elegance of his craftsmanship. Six of the villas sit right on the beachfront, with secluded, expertly crafted spaces leading onto private terraces and pools. Three villas are set further back from the shore exuding the tranquility of their setting. Slender pillars flank the wide entranceways, and clean stone lines run parallel to the sandy shoreline, partially separating bedrooms and kitchens from the sundrenched terraces outside. Shards of warm sunlight flood in through wide, slatted windows and partitions made of bone-colored pebbles, while lofty ceilings and dark stone floors ensure a sense of cool, barefoot style.
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