With the hospitality industry booming in past years and getting ready for a huge post-pandemic revival, it isn’t easy to elaborate on the newest trends and exclusivity in just one phrase. Hotel designs are now more focused on depicting lifestyle and welcoming specific communities. Previously, hotels were designed more fortress-like, static, and often off-putting. We have observed that the trend has begun to change, bringing a unique vantage point to the overall hotel design experience. As we reflect on the past year of design documentation, we made a list of some of our favorite hotels we have been to. Buckle up, explore, and appreciate these truly unique designs.
The Epitome of Discreet Luxury
There is no way the unique and organic eco-retreat in Spain called La Doniara will not leave you awe-struck. Located in the heart of Southern Spain, the individually designed hotel offers stunning views of the White Oak Mountains. The unique architecture leaves visitors spellbound. This 15th-century farmhouse has a whitewashed appearance and comprises nine-room gateways. Sitting at the top of the beautiful Serranía de Ronda mountain range, the eco-resort offers an unforgettable experience. It has seven luxury guestrooms and incredibly unique glamping yurts.
The overall structure is a pleasing mélange of modern and traditional interiors and is no less than a feast for the eyes. While wood clay, metals, and sandstones maintain an original and rustic look, the eco-resort has many ultra-modern facilities. From the spa to customized activities, you get everything. In fact, you can access an infinite list of activities focused on nature, health, and wellness. The décor of the resort aligns with the specific structure and the landscape it surrounds. The designs and modern charm are what make this Spanish eco-resort stand out. To read about our full experience, read here.
Tree Houses are all grown up.
If you‘re in Sweden, visiting the Treehotel can give you a memorable experience. Built under birch forests, the Treehotel Sweden is truly an architectural masterpiece. With seven fully equipped treehouses, your stay will be just as comfortable as the best hotels. Each room has a different design to accommodate all types of travelers. For example, the UFO room, which is built to look like a UFO from outer space. This room is a single room you have to climb a ladder into with not much living space. However, they do have bigger rooms like the dragonfly room and their newest room which, is called the seventh room designed by Snohetta. To read more about the tree hotel, check our last two blog posts here.
A Spot to Relax and Unwind
Just a few miles away from the South of Lisbon, Quinta da Comporta is an ideal place to unwind while looking over picturesque sandy beaches and dunes. If you’re looking for an idyllic place to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of city life, the hotel’s setting is ideal. You’ll fee rice fields and pine forests all around, and it’s a great way to refresh the senses.
Quinta da Comporta mixes the creativity that Miguel Câncio Martins (Portuguese architect) and Jacques Grange (French interior designer) designed with Portugal’s rich heritage to give a village feel. The hotel is an upgraded version of an old rice farm. It offers modernly designed farmhouses and barns as restaurants, rooms, and a spa. The central patio is actually the old floor of the rice factory. Read more about it here.
Getting lost in the Vineyard
L’and Vineyards Boutique Hotel in Lisbon, Portugal, features a blend of Portuguese and Brazilian architecture. The hotel sits in the middle of the vineyard and is located in the Alentejo region.
The hotel’s walls represent a hinged prism, and the central reception houses the restaurant, living room, spa, indoor pool, and spa. It has wine operations inspired by the Alentejo region’s whitewashed walled patios. You will see a lot of oak wood and slate in the main structure, complementing the warm tones of the interior. Each room has its own individual entrances and mini outdoor courtyards. Some of the rooms also feature a small plunge pool and retractable roof. For travelers looking to relax and disconnect, this is the perfect place to stay. Check out our full experience.
The colorful ARTHOUSE
The Arlatan Hotel, located in Arles, South of France, is a hotel that breathes so much life and creativity. The hotel is founded by Maja Hoffmann-a Pharmaceutical heiress, aiming to transform this place into a hub of young talent and creativity. The hotel combines many buildings into one cohesive story with unique design elements such as an ornate staircase, custom floor tiles, and light fixtures. Every little detail of the hotel is designed specifically for Arlatan by Cuban-born artist Jorge Pardo carte blanche. He works hand in hand with Hoffmann to create a truly unique hotel experience, in line with her ultimate goal of putting Arles on the worldwide design map. There is not a corner of the hotel that isn’t inspiring; see more here.
