Displaying posts labeled "Hotel"

It’s my niece’s wedding tomorrow. I thought I’d give her a virtual honeymoon. Of course I went to Welcome Beyond to find the perfect boutique hotel. How about Ratua Private Island? Seriously sexy. Seriously simple. Seriously the perfect spot for the perfect honeymoon. Congratulations Jane and Chris! You’ll just need to pack some swimmers, sarong and maybe a t-shirt?

yoo is a residential interior and architecture design firm, the result of a partnership between property entrepreneur John Hitchcox and world renowned designer Philippe Starck. This firm has set out to design the world, with projects throughout Asia, Australia, Europe, Africa, North and South America and the Middle East. And to make this firm even more impressive is its lineup of superstar designers – Marcel Wanders, Jade Jagger, Kelly Hoppen and Anouska Hempel. I don’t think you can go wrong by investing in a yoo property! Especially when they look THIS good….

I think I need a holiday. I have spent the past 2 days in bed with a migraine. Too much stress, too many deadlines, not enough time to breathe. I’m dreaming of running away to a piece of paradise somewhere special. Welcome Beyond hand picks the most beautiful and unique vacation properties around the world. I lost my heart in Florence on my first and only visit. A truly magnificent city and beautiful people (perhaps that is why I lost my heart!). My fantasy return involves this beautiful hotel, Riva Lofts. The trouble is there are too many stunning properties on Welcome Beyond‘s books as you will see…

Still dreaming of a getaway. Perhaps Locanda al Colle in Camaiore, Tuscany. Stylish and well appointed with an eclectic yet luxurious decor with hints of the 40s and 50s. A relaxed retreat for international travellers. Even better this is not an hotel but a home open to guests. Perfect base for exploring a part of Italy that I can never forget.

And as much as I love the easy elegance and luxury of the above properties (hardly rustic I think you would agree) the property that tugs at my heart is The Beachouse in Vendays-Montalivet, Medoc, France. Memories of lazy family holidays in a shack right on the beach come flooding back. A house that is not too precious. Where it is all about family and friends, fun and days spent lost in the sand dunes. Bliss! Want to join me?

To end of the week I thought I’d show some photos of one of the best designed hotels I’ve ever seen. The Firmdale hotels includes 6 London locations and a new one that opened in SoHo in October. “Firmdale Hotels’ owners, Tim and Kit Kemp believe that ‘hotels should be living things, not stuffy institutions’. Kit Kemp has designed all of the interiors in a fresh contemporary English style. Her mixture of colour and texture, modern and antique together with an impressive art collection, has combined to create a unique look and style.” The colours and patterns are gorgeous and these rooms look SO comfortable I want to crawl through my monitor and into one of the beds.

Jackie Caradonio wrote us yesterday with the following: “I’m always checking out Desire to Inspire for great images and great interiors as I am an interiors/architectural photographer. I love when you showcase great photographers as it gives me something to strive toward. =) Anyway, I photographed this little 14-room hotel in Austin, Texas, called the Hotel Saint Cecilia recently and thought the interiors were so fun that you guys might be interested in taking a look. Lots of original, vintage pieces mixed with new, hip décor. I’d be honored if you guys wanted to show them on the blog.” WOWZERS. This hotel is so chic, glamourous and fun, and the photos are fantastic. Thanks so much for sharing these with us Jackie! (Check out her website here).