Living 05·01·2021
21 hotels for 2021 lifestyle
Explore the world’s best hotels with Porcelanosa Lifestyle Magazine.
Patricia Espinosa de los Monteros
Travellers are becoming more and more exacting, and are looking for an unforgettable trip at least once a year. Luxury is now a subtle concept – encompassing time, design, experiences, wellness and environmental awareness.
We could go on forever, but the following list outlines our choice of 21 hotels so you can carry on exploring the world in 2021.
Mandarin Oriental (Tokyo): stars on high
Located from floors 30 to 36 of the 38-floor Nihonbashi Mitsui tower. This hotel boasts 178 rooms and suites, eight restaurants (three Michelin-starred), a bar, tea room and pastry shop.
The hotel’s latest restaurant addition is Signature. It’s led by chef Ping Chow whose creations blend traditional Japanese and French cuisines, and it benefits from incredible views across the Tokyo rooftops.
Me by Meliá (Dubai): sustainable architecture
Zaha Hadid’s latest project was opened posthumously by the studio, with Patrick Schumacher at the helm. It also marks the Meliá hotel group’s first foray into the Middle East.
Opened in January 2020, Me by Meliá is located in the Emirati financial district and spans 84,300 metres and 20 floors (plus 7 underground levels), with a futuristic pair of dented and pierced towers. The interior has been fully furnished with designs by Hadid in her characteristic forms. The rooms open out to the city, and bathrooms are fully furnished with the organic Vitae collection by Porcelanosa.
La Mamounia (Marrakesh): Sophisticated refurbishment
This Mozarabic palace in Marrakesh – famed for its gardens – was transformed into a hotel in the 1920s.
Recently refurbished by designers Patrick Jouin and Sangi Mankou, the hotel’s spaces respect the original structure, incorporating traditional Moroccan techniques and materials alongside Bohemian crystal chandeliers and exceptional lighting. These designs were created to be enjoyed from the poolside, at the Churchill bar or the Pierre Hermé lounge.
Four Seasons (Madrid): the city’s latest must
A new arrival in the heart of the city’s financial district, this corporate building was constructed for the Spanish insurance company La Equitativa, and has subsequently become the headquarters of banks such as Banesto and Santander.
Renovated by architect Carlos Lamela’s studio and featuring decor from studio BAMO in San Francisco, the hotel has altered the landscape of Canalejas area. The Brasserie is the work of architect Martin Bruzniski, and is led by chef Dani García (three Michelin stars). The façade’s original features, including stained-glass windows crafted by Maumejean in 1860, have been incorporated into the design.
Seaside Finolhu (Maldives): a crystal ball
The word ‘finolhu’ means a sandbank. This hotel is located across its four islands and beaches, and has just opened its doors following a redesign and conversion into a Design Hotels member.
This new look is the work of London studio Muza Lab, and the hotel benefits from 125 villas, 4 restaurants, spas and a gym.
The hotel’s meticulous care in protecting the environment is a particular highlight, as well as the Maldives’ first and only crystal ball look ‘bubble tent’: a suite at the end of Baa Atoll (UNESCO Biosphere Reserve), reached via a 1.5 kilometre walk across the sand. The perfect place to connect with the virgin cosmos.
Rosewood Mayakoba (Mexico): alchemy and the ultra-modern
128 super-exclusive suites rise up from a maze of islands and lagoons on the Riviera Maya, with a private butler service, terrace, heated swimming pool and direct access to the jetty and El Camaleón: an 18-hole golf course designed by Greg Norman.
Its commitment to green hospitality is a highlight, with rigorous energy saving practices in place and the use of osmosis-treated groundwater.
The hotel has 6 restaurants offering Mexican and international cuisine, a spa with 12 cabins, 8 private suites and a Kutxal garden with healing herbs for spa treatments.
Six Senses Douro Valley (Portugal): sleep and rest
An hour and a half from Porto, this vine-covered paradise is tucked away in a branch of the Douro River. Considered Portugal’s best vinotherapy hotel, its facilities include 10 spa cabins, a heated swimming pool, and a gym with a personal trainer.
The hotel concept? The value and benefits of wine.
Nobu (Marbella): the best ambience
This hotel, owned by actor Robert de Niro, Japanese chef Nobu Matsuhisa and film producer and businessman Meir Teper, is located next to Puente Romano and Marbella Club. Its core concept is offering relaxation and fun in Marbella, with lively bars and restaurants.
The project was signed by M&P Archidesign Consulting studio, and the idea behind it was to blend Andalusian features with 60s architecture. The interior design features Premium collections by Porcelanosa Group.
Le Domaine des Etangs (France): the slow life
This 13th century castle with 6 farms and a mill is located in the Charente valley, between Périgord-Limousin and the Cognac region – an idyllic part of the French countryside.
Each building is dedicated to one of the constellations. It spans 1,000 hectares of countryside and boasts a restaurant, an orchard, outdoor and indoor swimming pools and a collection of open-air contemporary art.
The original stone walls characteristic of the region have been maintained, and the decor features natural materials and textiles selected by Isabelle Stanislas.
Grand Hotel du Cap Ferrat (Nice): secrets of the coast
This is one of the Côte d’Azur’s most iconic hotels, and is owned by the Four Seasons group. The Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat is synonymous with luxury: the unique building, blissful outdoor swimming pool and romantic restaurant frequented by the global jet set; go on private tours of the Rothschild family’s villa Ephrussi or for seaside walks; dine in the very place the hotel chef dines on his days off; play golf, or drink wine at the hotel sommelier’s favourite shop.
Belmond Palacio de Nazarenas (Peru): the sunrise
Located in the magical Inca city of Cuzco, this was originally an ancient monastery, with stone walls and a fountain used by monks in ancient times. It boasts magnificent gardens, a baroque chapel, rooms brimming with works of art, the Hypnoze spa and a restaurant – Senzo – led by Peruvian chef Virgilio Martínez (three Michelin stars).
The hotel offers trips to see the sunrise from San Blas square.
Xigera Lodge Resort (Botswana): the heart of Africa
Located in the Okavango Delta, it’s scheduled to open on 21 January. The project is the work of the South African Tollman hotel family and Red Carnation hotel group, with 12 raised cabins built in the native style on two islands connected by the reception centre and a private jetty.
Toni Tollman, Philip Fourie and Anton de Kock worked on the design along with prestigious South African studio Southern Guild, incorporating pieces from local artisans.
Works of art by African artists will also be exhibited. During your stay, you can take a ride on a glass-bottomed boat through the delta, sleep in a cabin in a baobab, and go on excursions accompanied by local guides.
Le Grand Controle (Versailles): just like Marie Antoinette
Sleeping in a palace overlooking the Orangerie and just a stone’s throw from the Hall of Mirrors is a truly unique experience.
Managed by luxury hotel group Airelles with 14 rooms, a restaurant run by Alain Ducasse and a spa with a heated swimming pool, this castle set within Versailles was built in 1681 by the same architect who was behind the Dôme des Invalides. It was the residence of the Duke of Beauvilliers who was charged with the palace’s financial management. Its 21st-century guests will have access to the palace and all the activities held there.
Il Pellicano (Porto Ercole): La Dolce Vita – and selfies
Located on a cliff, this stunning hotel on the Italian coast has a history worthy of La Dolce Vita. Its first owner (a former British pilot) fell in love with an actress, and they lived here before converting it into a hotel.
Frequented by famous photographers such as Slim Aron and Juergen Teller thanks to its incredible views and exterior, Il Pellicano has 34 rooms and 18 suites, a clay tennis court with a private instructor, a chauffeur-driven car for coastal excursions, cocktail-making classes and a beach with lift access.
Le Bristol (Paris): a secret garden
At Le Bristol you’ll dream of returning again and again. Even more so now its suites have been refurbished. Redecorated by Countess Bergit Douglas and MMS studio, with textiles from Colefax and Fowler, Farrow & Ball and Loro Piana, the new decor adds an updated yet subtle feel to the rooms including the iconic Panoramic Suite, used as the main stage of Woody Allen’s film, Midnight in Paris. The new English garden designed by Lady Arabella Lennox is another highlight, and has become one of the city’s best kept secrets.
Danieli (Venice): step back in time
This hotel is located just a few metres from San Marcos Square and overlooks the San Giorgio lagoon and the Salute. Danieli occupies three former aristocratic mansions, the oldest of which dates from the 18th century.
Staying here is like stepping back in time. The Venetian decorative features are particular highlights: brocades, Murano glass and silks. New for 2021 at this hotel are its La Terrazza del Danieli restaurant and new rooms, refurbished by French interior designer Jacques Garcia.
Belmond La Residencia (Mallorca): Mediterranean chic
This hotel peeps out from between the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range and the Mediterranean sea. Surrounded by olive groves and lemon trees, enjoying the various experiences offered to guests at Belmond La Residencia (Belmond Group) is a must. These include tennis lessons, art classes on the beach and meeting the best local artists. As well as its 67 rooms, all decorated in the Mallorcan style, the hotel’s several restaurants such as Olivo and Safereix and a garden featuring large sculptures are also particularly noteworthy.
The Peninsula (Hong Kong): colonial history
The hotel opened its doors in 1928 with the aim of being the best hotel in the East. Its classic yet exotic decor was striking, and the lobby became the perfect place to enjoy afternoon tea.
1994 saw the modernisation of its facilities, with the addition of a tower with a helipad and a ‘peninsula’ (a fleet of green Rolls Royce cars). Now almost 100 years old, this super hotel is still the place to be in Hong Kong, as well as a gastro-tourism destination, with six restaurants, a bar and a spa.
Le Sirenuse (Positano): the best of the Amalfi Coast
In 1951, the four Sersale brothers decided to turn their summer house into an incredibly unique hotel. With a 70-year history and 58 rooms, Le Sirenuse is still managed by the Naples family and is considered one of the most beautiful destinations in the whole of Italy.
Nestled in the heart of Positano and overlooking the bay and the Amalfi Coast, the hotel boasts a restaurant, spa, and its own line of clothing, glassware and dinnerware created by local artisans with additional input from Luke Edward Hall and Carlo Moretti.
The Connaught (London): the best cocktail in the world
This classic hotel has two new features this year: its bar ranked first place in the world’s top 50 bars (its signature cocktails, the work of Agostino Perrone, are a blend of classic and modern) and The Connaught Patisserie is being added to its facilities.
The tearoom (with its own independent access) features pink decor, and offers you the chance to enjoy high-end pastries by French pastry chef Nicolas Rouzaud.
Grand Bretagne (Athens): under the gaze of the gods
Opened in 1874 by Lampsas, an entrepreneur who gave Athens a place for English travellers on their Grand Tour of Europe and the international jet set to stay. Throughout the 20th century, the rooms of the Grand Bretagne became places of political, cultural and business meetings.
It is still the Greek capital’s landmark hotel today, and its rooms, suites, English pub (one of the most beautiful in Europe) is home to a piece of Western history. Whether you’re staying at the hotel or not, having a drink on the rooftop looking out on the Parthenon and illuminated. Acropolis is a must.
RECOMMEND LIFESTYLE
Descubre31·07·2020
Hoteles que nos curan en salud
Curarse en salud es prevenir, estar sobre aviso sobre la mala salud que podamos tener, ponernos en guardia y actuar, no se trata de curar sino de prever con antelación una vida saludable.
Índice
- 1 Mandarin Oriental (Tokyo): stars on high
- 2 Me by Meliá (Dubai): sustainable architecture
- 3 La Mamounia (Marrakesh): Sophisticated refurbishment
- 4 Four Seasons (Madrid): the city’s latest must
- 5 Seaside Finolhu (Maldives): a crystal ball
- 6 Rosewood Mayakoba (Mexico): alchemy and the ultra-modern
- 7 Six Senses Douro Valley (Portugal): sleep and rest
- 8 Nobu (Marbella): the best ambience
- 9 Le Domaine des Etangs (France): the slow life
- 10 Grand Hotel du Cap Ferrat (Nice): secrets of the coast
- 11 Belmond Palacio de Nazarenas (Peru): the sunrise
- 12 Xigera Lodge Resort (Botswana): the heart of Africa
- 13 Le Grand Controle (Versailles): just like Marie Antoinette
- 14 Il Pellicano (Porto Ercole): La Dolce Vita – and selfies
- 15 Le Bristol (Paris): a secret garden
- 16 Danieli (Venice): step back in time
- 17 Belmond La Residencia (Mallorca): Mediterranean chic
- 18 The Peninsula (Hong Kong): colonial history
- 19 Le Sirenuse (Positano): the best of the Amalfi Coast
- 20 The Connaught (London): the best cocktail in the world
- 21 Grand Bretagne (Athens): under the gaze of the gods