June travel news: editor's picks

AMMO Café, Hong Kong

In a city that is still hell-bent on thrusting up silvery skyscrapers at every street corner, it’s almost a relief to stumble into the newly opened AMMO Café in Hong Kong’s Admiralty quarter. Set in a low-rise, mid-19th-century British ammunitions compound, the café is the sophomore project for locally-based interior designer Joyce Wang, following her breakout renovation work on the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel. Taking cues from Jean-Luc Godard’s sci-fi classic Alphaville, Wang has created a grand statement space, lining the high-ceilinged room with chandeliers made of burnished copper plumping pipes, bent copper mesh and rods, and copper ribs, all of which are obvious nods to the building’s history. In the kitchen, Tony Cheng has concocted an east meets west menu that includes angel hair pasta with uni, slow cooked eggs with toro and sea urchin, and langoustines wrapped in Vietnamese rice paper and basil.

9 Justice Drive, Admiralty, Hong Kong; Tel: 852. 2537 9888

Writer: Daven Wu
 

Hilton, Barcelona, Spain

The crisp, airy interior of Barcelona’s newest Hilton gives the hotel a breezy holiday flavour, a welcome bonus for the many patrons who will land there with the goal of cracking business deals. Italian architect Matteo Thun has designed all of the public spaces, transforming them into the sort of zen-like oases one usually expects at a spa. The building’s transparent façade sets the mood for a sleek, all-white lobby and bar, spaces that are built expressly to be re-arranged at will using sheer drapes. 15-metre ceilings on the ground floor allow for a dramatic setting for art exhibitions in both the lobby and the bar, the latter of which features a permanent tumbling glass chandelier. The hotel includes 289 rooms and suites designed by Paul Bevis, a fitness centre, Mosaic restaurant, an executive lounge, and, of course, lots of meeting rooms.   
 
Hilton Hotel, Barcelona. 589-591 Avenida Diagonal, Barcelona, Spain 08014; Tel: 34.9 349 57777 www.hilton.co.uk/barcelona

Writer: JJ Martin

Hilton, Barcelona, Spain

The crisp, airy interior of Barcelona’s newest Hilton gives the hotel a breezy holiday flavour, a welcome bonus for the many patrons who will land there with the goal of cracking business deals. Italian architect Matteo Thun has designed all of the public spaces, transforming them into the sort of zen-like oases one usually expects at a spa. The building’s transparent façade sets the mood for a sleek, all-white lobby and bar, spaces that are built expressly to be re-arranged at will using sheer drapes. 15-metre ceilings on the ground floor allow for a dramatic setting for art exhibitions in both the lobby and the bar, the latter of which features a permanent tumbling glass chandelier. The hotel includes 289 rooms and suites designed by Paul Bevis, a fitness centre, Mosaic restaurant, an executive lounge, and, of course, lots of meeting rooms.   
 
Hilton Hotel, Barcelona. 589-591 Avenida Diagonal, Barcelona, Spain 08014; Tel: 34.9 349 57777 www.hilton.co.uk/barcelona

Writer: JJ Martin

D-Hotel Maris, Datça Peninsula, Turkey

With its long stretches of sandy beaches, backed by craggy mountains, it would be an understatement to describe the scenery of Turkey's Turqouoise Coast as dramatic. Here, in a quiet spot, surrounded by pine forests, sits D-Hotel Maris. A design collaboration between Turkish firm Midek Mingü and Singapore's SCDA Architects, the 200-room hotel combines Asian minimalist elegance with warm Turkish hospitality. Guest rooms offer mountain or sea views, with bathtubs on balconies. A restaurant named 'The Spice' offers Ottoman Asian fare, while 'The Breeze' is a more casual seafood alternative. The resort also offers a 'menu' of water sports from water skiing to diving, while the spa's treatments involve Aegean Sea Shell and Purva Karma Four Handed massages.

90 252 441 2000; www.dhotel.com.tr

Writer: Sara Henrichs

D-Hotel Maris, Datça Peninsula, Turkey

With its long stretches of sandy beaches, backed by craggy mountains, it would be an understatement to describe the scenery of Turkey's Turqouoise Coast as dramatic. Here, in a quiet spot, surrounded by pine forests, sits D-Hotel Maris. A design collaboration between Turkish firm Midek Mingü and Singapore's SCDA Architects, the 200-room hotel combines Asian minimalist elegance with warm Turkish hospitality. Guest rooms offer mountain or sea views, with bathtubs on balconies. A restaurant named 'The Spice' offers Ottoman Asian fare, while 'The Breeze' is a more casual seafood alternative. The resort also offers a 'menu' of water sports from water skiing to diving, while the spa's treatments involve Aegean Sea Shell and Purva Karma Four Handed massages.

90 252 441 2000; www.dhotel.com.tr

Writer: Sara Henrichs

D-Hotel Maris, Datça Peninsula, Turkey

With its long stretches of sandy beaches, backed by craggy mountains, it would be an understatement to describe the scenery of Turkey's Turqouoise Coast as dramatic. Here, in a quiet spot, surrounded by pine forests, sits D-Hotel Maris. A design collaboration between Turkish firm Midek Mingü and Singapore's SCDA Architects, the 200-room hotel combines Asian minimalist elegance with warm Turkish hospitality. Guest rooms offer mountain or sea views, with bathtubs on balconies. A restaurant named 'The Spice' offers Ottoman Asian fare, while 'The Breeze' is a more casual seafood alternative. The resort also offers a 'menu' of water sports from water skiing to diving, while the spa's treatments involve Aegean Sea Shell and Purva Karma Four Handed massages.

90 252 441 2000; www.dhotel.com.tr

Writer: Sara Henrichs

Downtown Ibiza, Ibiza, Spain

Where do the original denizens of San Antonio's clubs go when they grow up? Giuseppe Cipriani, third generation restaurateur and figurehead of the eponymous lifestyle brand, has answered this with Cipriani Downtown Ibiza, his new restaurant in the Ibiza Gran Hotel. Set over two sprawling floors, it brings the understated elegance and glamour the brand excels at to a site with stunning views of the shimmering harbour. Marrying marble, teak and walnut surfaces with fine fabrics, 1950's furniture and the essential mod cons, the restaurant offers enticing surroundings in which to enjoy a relaxed fine dining menu of Italian dishes like baked tagliolini, grilled fish and carpaccio. It wouldn't be a Cipriani establishment without a world-class bar, and the party promises to continue into the early hours with nightly live entertainment, including modern circus and musical acts.

Ibiza Gran Hotel, Paseo Juan Carlos I, nr. 17, Ibiza 07800; www.cipriani.com

Writer: David Paw

Downtown Ibiza, Ibiza, Spain

Where do the original denizens of San Antonio's clubs go when they grow up? Giuseppe Cipriani, third generation restaurateur and figurehead of the eponymous lifestyle brand, has answered this with Cipriani Downtown Ibiza, his new restaurant in the Ibiza Gran Hotel. Set over two sprawling floors, it brings the understated elegance and glamour the brand excels at to a site with stunning views of the shimmering harbour. Marrying marble, teak and walnut surfaces with fine fabrics, 1950's furniture and the essential mod cons, the restaurant offers enticing surroundings in which to enjoy a relaxed fine dining menu of Italian dishes like baked tagliolini, grilled fish and carpaccio. It wouldn't be a Cipriani establishment without a world-class bar, and the party promises to continue into the early hours with nightly live entertainment, including modern circus and musical acts.

Ibiza Gran Hotel, Paseo Juan Carlos I, nr. 17, Ibiza 07800; www.cipriani.com

Writer: David Paw

Angsana Spa, Hotel Icon, Hong Kong

Hotel Icon is home to a new spa dedicated to products by Anne Semonin Angsana, incorporating natural ingredients such as native flowers and fruits, while mixing eastern and western techniques for complete rejuvenation - and the kind of glowing skin you just can’t fake. Designed by local firm CL3 Architects, the four treatment rooms are kept minimal, with a stone material palette and glass walls overlooking a lush bamboo oasis. Treatments involve deep-cleansing and detoxifying massages, for which therapists scrub and pamper you to perfection. We also recommend the ‘Miracle Eyes’ treatment after a night out. For more privacy, Hong Kong residents can get the same experience in their own homes.

Hotel Icon, 17 Science Museum Road, Tsim Sha Tsui East, Kowloon, Hong Kong; Tel: 85.2 3400 1052; www.hotel-icon.com

Writer: Sara Henrichs

The art Room, Paris, France

Black is the new white for Paris' latest cocktail bar The Art Room. Owners Cyrille Mas Gamoty and Elise Lacroix have transformed their three-floor bar, formerly known as Le Pin Up, into a darker, glossier and altogether moodier space that still plays host to the great and the good of the Parisian fashion world. Meanwhile, Ritz-Escoffier-trained Emily Lang has been drafted in to concoct a bespoke cocktail menu. A highlight is the 'Secret' series, which blends mixology trends with additional influences from French culinary culture. Expect ingredients that range from freshly grated Szechuan pepper and lemon caviar, to molecular rosemary essence spray and beet cubes. If the likes of 'L'indécente Alchimie' or 'Serum énigmatique' (each cocktail has a mysterious moniker) don't instantly grab, then ask the barman to rustle up one of his daily cocktails inspired by the mood of the evening.

13 rue de Tiquetonne, Paris, 75002; Tel: 33.1 77 10 32 09

Writer: Alex Moore

BOG Hotel, Bogotá, Colombia

Bogotá has a sparkling new hotel for those prospecting for a little gold dust on their travels. BOG Hotel's utilitarian architecture by Guillermo Arias, and simple yet opulent interiors by Nini Andrade Silva, make it a welcome contrast to the city's abundance of overly corporate offerings. The building comprises a gilt-edged lobby and lounge at ground level, and 55 guest rooms in chromatic shades of bronze, green and silver. Its shimmering interiors echo the country’s golden past and glittering future as one of the world’s richest sources of precious metals and emeralds. The spa with a heated rooftop pool, and the restaurant created by celebrated Colombian chef Leonor Espinosa, add to the hotel's attractions.

Bogotá, Cra 11 No. 86–74; www.designhotels.com

Writer: Rainbow Nelson

BOG Hotel, Bogotá, Colombia

Bogotá has a sparkling new hotel for those prospecting for a little gold dust on their travels. BOG Hotel's utilitarian architecture by Guillermo Arias, and simple yet opulent interiors by Nini Andrade Silva, make it a welcome contrast to the city's abundance of overly corporate offerings. The building comprises a gilt-edged lobby and lounge at ground level, and 55 guest rooms in chromatic shades of bronze, green and silver. Its shimmering interiors echo the country’s golden past and glittering future as one of the world’s richest sources of precious metals and emeralds. The spa with a heated rooftop pool, and the restaurant created by celebrated Colombian chef Leonor Espinosa, add to the hotel's attractions.

Bogotá, Cra 11 No. 86–74; www.designhotels.com

Writer: Rainbow Nelson

É Prà Poncha, Porto, Portugal

Porto's most stylish new night spot gets its name from a typical punch drink, Prà Poncha, concocted by Madeiran fisherman from local sugar cane brandy, lemon juice and honey. The cocktail is now served in large plastic jugs with ice and sugar instead of honey, or with absinthe or vodka versions packing that extra punch. The decidedly retro É Prà Poncha rocks to the best synthesised sounds of the 1980s. Resident mixologist and co-owner Duarte Pestana hired local architect António Fernandez to create a playful ‘fluorescent cave’ ambience and he has succeeded in making the most out of the limited narrow space. Grey concrete and stone walls give a neutral flavour, contrasting with the blue and green translucent backlit ceiling. At the bar, there are photographs of the beloved original Madeiran bar, as well as a giant poncha stick painted black that was once used to stir the poncho pots, known locally as ‘caralhinho’.

Rua da Galeria de Paris 99, Porto, T 969472546, www.epraponcha.com

Writer: Rupert Eden

É Prà Poncha, Porto, Portugal

Porto's most stylish new night spot gets its name from a typical punch drink, Prà Poncha, concocted by Madeiran fisherman from local sugar cane brandy, lemon juice and honey. The cocktail is now served in large plastic jugs with ice and sugar instead of honey, or with absinthe or vodka versions packing that extra punch. The decidedly retro É Prà Poncha rocks to the best synthesised sounds of the 1980s. Resident mixologist and co-owner Duarte Pestana hired local architect António Fernandez to create a playful ‘fluorescent cave’ ambience and he has succeeded in making the most out of the limited narrow space. Grey concrete and stone walls give a neutral flavour, contrasting with the blue and green translucent backlit ceiling. At the bar, there are photographs of the beloved original Madeiran bar, as well as a giant poncha stick painted black that was once used to stir the poncho pots, known locally as ‘caralhinho’.

Rua da Galeria de Paris 99, Porto, T 969472546, www.epraponcha.com

Writer: Rupert Eden

Ceviche Bar, London, UK

Making ceviche is serious business in Peru and walking into London’s first Ceviche bar is evocative of entering Bar Juanito, one of Lima’s oldest, most traditional bohemian hangouts. Founder Martin Morales, whose father is English and mother is Peruvian, has devised a lively and laid back space lined with wooden furniture and colouful graphics, while his menu offers delicious dishes such as Peru’s legendary Don Ceviche (seabass in chilli tiger’s milk) or whipped potato cakes, stuffed with fresh crab or prawns. The obligatory Pisco sours are also on offer, as well as a selection of vintage cocktails such as Duncan Nicol’s Pisco Punch, based on native Andean and Amazonian fruits and herbs

17 Frith Street, Soho London; tel 44.20 7292 2040; www.cevicheuk.com

Writer: Sara Henrichs

Hotel Surazo, Matanza, Chile

Named after the strong, southerly winds that have made the scenic Chilean cove of Matanza an obligatory call on the world windsurfing circuit, this beachfront bolthole two hours from Santiago will quite literally blow you away. Architectural partners Felipe Wedeles and Jorge Manieu, and chef Andres Tobar - a trio of serious wave-seekers with a keen eye for design – put this sleepy village on the map when they first opened their 12-cabin hideout in 2008. Decked out from top-to-toe in rough-cut pine, the hotel was destroyed by the earthquake and tsunami of 2010. But despite the best efforts of the elements to blow the them off course, Surazo is back looking better than ever. The popularity of the hotel’s design has allowed Wedeles to move his office to Matanza where he kills time between breakers, working through a backlog of private commissions from like-minded souls sharing his passion for contemporary cubes and big kahuna

Tel: 56. 9 9277 8706; www.surazo.cl

Writer: Rainbow Nelson

Hotel Surazo, Matanza, Chile

Named after the strong, southerly winds that have made the scenic Chilean cove of Matanza an obligatory call on the world windsurfing circuit, this beachfront bolthole two hours from Santiago will quite literally blow you away. Architectural partners Felipe Wedeles and Jorge Manieu, and chef Andres Tobar - a trio of serious wave-seekers with a keen eye for design – put this sleepy village on the map when they first opened their 12-cabin hideout in 2008. Decked out from top-to-toe in rough-cut pine, the hotel was destroyed by the earthquake and tsunami of 2010. But despite the best efforts of the elements to blow the them off course, Surazo is back looking better than ever. The popularity of the hotel’s design has allowed Wedeles to move his office to Matanza where he kills time between breakers, working through a backlog of private commissions from like-minded souls sharing his passion for contemporary cubes and big kahuna

Tel: 56. 9 9277 8706; www.surazo.cl

Writer: Rainbow Nelson

Hotel Surazo, Matanza, Chile

Named after the strong, southerly winds that have made the scenic Chilean cove of Matanza an obligatory call on the world windsurfing circuit, this beachfront bolthole two hours from Santiago will quite literally blow you away. Architectural partners Felipe Wedeles and Jorge Manieu, and chef Andres Tobar - a trio of serious wave-seekers with a keen eye for design – put this sleepy village on the map when they first opened their 12-cabin hideout in 2008. Decked out from top-to-toe in rough-cut pine, the hotel was destroyed by the earthquake and tsunami of 2010. But despite the best efforts of the elements to blow the them off course, Surazo is back looking better than ever. The popularity of the hotel’s design has allowed Wedeles to move his office to Matanza where he kills time between breakers, working through a backlog of private commissions from like-minded souls sharing his passion for contemporary cubes and big kahuna

Tel: 56. 9 9277 8706; www.surazo.cl

Writer: Rainbow Nelson

Kitchen 24, Los Angeles, USA

For a 24 hour breakfast in West Hollywood, equipped with chocolate chip pancakes, or a Mediterranean tofu scramble, head to Kitchen 24 on Santa Monica Blvd. Designed by one of LA’s most popular designers, Kristofer Keith at Spacecraft Group (Goal and Naya to name a few), the cafeteria-esque décor inspiration was taken from a space-age idea with LED ‘flying saucer’ lights over the bar reflecting off the stainless steel panels and aluminum mirrors on the walls. The modern diner has silver flecks in the floor tiles, fiberglass tables from Anderson Surfboards with custom K24 logos in the centre (think 1950’s meets 2012) and an ample outdoor patio for balmy nights. Try a turkey burger and an adult milkshake after a night of partying on the town.  The colour palette of white terrazzo, pink glass and brown wood laminate, is actually based on the hunger inducing tones of Neapolitan ice-cream - strawberry, chocolate and vanilla.

Kitchen 24, 8571 Santa Monica Boulevard, Los Angeles, 1.42 4777 0959; www.kitchen24.info

Writer: Carole Dixon

Kitchen 24, Los Angeles, USA

For a 24 hour breakfast in West Hollywood, equipped with chocolate chip pancakes, or a Mediterranean tofu scramble, head to Kitchen 24 on Santa Monica Blvd. Designed by one of LA’s most popular designers, Kristofer Keith at Spacecraft Group (Goal and Naya to name a few), the cafeteria-esque décor inspiration was taken from a space-age idea with LED ‘flying saucer’ lights over the bar reflecting off the stainless steel panels and aluminum mirrors on the walls. The modern diner has silver flecks in the floor tiles, fiberglass tables from Anderson Surfboards with custom K24 logos in the centre (think 1950’s meets 2012) and an ample outdoor patio for balmy nights. Try a turkey burger and an adult milkshake after a night of partying on the town.  The colour palette of white terrazzo, pink glass and brown wood laminate, is actually based on the hunger inducing tones of Neapolitan ice-cream - strawberry, chocolate and vanilla.

Kitchen 24, 8571 Santa Monica Boulevard, Los Angeles, 1.42 4777 0959; www.kitchen24.info

Writer: Carole Dixon

Mama Shelter, Marseille, France

Philippe Starck has always had the measure of the style-hungry traveller. He proved it with his wildly successful collaboration with hotelier Ian Schrager in the 1990s; when he and a cohort of investors opened Mama Shelter in Paris three years ago; and he’s done it again with the opening of the second Mama Shelter in Marseille. Taking charge of the interiors, the French designer’s hyperactive imprint is obvious the minute you enter the six-storey block in Marseille’s artsy Cours Julien neighbourhood. The lobby is a crazy Alice in Wonderland pastiche of distended tables, chairs morphing into wooden sofas, and swirling calligraphy on walls and ceilings. The bedrooms, 127 in all, make up for their size (the smallest is 15sqm) with full-length mirrors, low-slung furniture, a brightly coloured palette, and plenty of natural light. Pull yourself away from a game on the 4-m long football table long enough to sample chef Alain Senderens’s mod-Med menu of octopus stew and sea-bream cerviche

64 rue de la Loubiere, 13006 Marseille; Tel: 33. 4 84 35 2000; www.mamashelter.com

Writer: Daven Wu

Mama Shelter, Marseille, France

Philippe Starck has always had the measure of the style-hungry traveller. He proved it with his wildly successful collaboration with hotelier Ian Schrager in the 1990s; when he and a cohort of investors opened Mama Shelter in Paris three years ago; and he’s done it again with the opening of the second Mama Shelter in Marseille. Taking charge of the interiors, the French designer’s hyperactive imprint is obvious the minute you enter the six-storey block in Marseille’s artsy Cours Julien neighbourhood. The lobby is a crazy Alice in Wonderland pastiche of distended tables, chairs morphing into wooden sofas, and swirling calligraphy on walls and ceilings. The bedrooms, 127 in all, make up for their size (the smallest is 15sqm) with full-length mirrors, low-slung furniture, a brightly coloured palette, and plenty of natural light. Pull yourself away from a game on the 4-m long football table long enough to sample chef Alain Senderens’s mod-Med menu of octopus stew and sea-bream cerviche

64 rue de la Loubiere, 13006 Marseille; Tel: 33. 4 84 35 2000; www.mamashelter.com

Writer: Daven Wu

Ocaña, Barcelona, Spain

The first thing you notice when you approach Ocaña is an oasis of style seeping out into the tourist wasteland that is Barcelona’s Plaça Reial. Old schoolroom tables spill onto the terraza, and the waiters and bartenders are more LA bike messenger than starched-shirt-and-waistcoat. The second thing you notice - if you’re a local - is that the splendidly crumbling bar/restaurant/club complex is named after José Pérez Ocaña, activist, artist and important figure in bringing homosexual rights to post-Franco Spain. He lived next door. Inside, Ocña looks like a vintage furniture store within a fading, gilded birdcage. Bent plywood chairs join worn red velvet armchairs and chromed-steel floor lamps, and owner Joaquima Laguna has managed to cram in every single one of the Les Pic Original chandeliers she found in a Paris flea market. In contrast, the stairways and in-between spaces are brutal concrete blocks with rusting steel rebar banisters. Like Barcelona itself, the place is quite a mix.

Plaça Reial 13 14 15 08002 Barcelona; Tel: 34.93 676 4814

Ocaña, Barcelona, Spain

The first thing you notice when you approach Ocaña is an oasis of style seeping out into the tourist wasteland that is Barcelona’s Plaça Reial. Old schoolroom tables spill onto the terraza, and the waiters and bartenders are more LA bike messenger than starched-shirt-and-waistcoat. The second thing you notice - if you’re a local - is that the splendidly crumbling bar/restaurant/club complex is named after José Pérez Ocaña, activist, artist and important figure in bringing homosexual rights to post-Franco Spain. He lived next door. Inside, Ocña looks like a vintage furniture store within a fading, gilded birdcage. Bent plywood chairs join worn red velvet armchairs and chromed-steel floor lamps, and owner Joaquima Laguna has managed to cram in every single one of the Les Pic Original chandeliers she found in a Paris flea market. In contrast, the stairways and in-between spaces are brutal concrete blocks with rusting steel rebar banisters. Like Barcelona itself, the place is quite a mix.

Plaça Reial 13 14 15 08002 Barcelona; Tel: 34.93 676 4814

Wanderlust, Paris, France

The latest venture from the group behind cult film director David Lynch’s nightclub, Silencio in Paris, is a new multidisciplinary ‘creative space’ in the French capital. Designed by local architecture firm Jacob MacFarlane, Wanderlust comprises a 1,600 sq m terrace (the largest in Paris), an 80-seat open-air cinema, a club, a bar and a restaurant run by celebrated chef Benjamin Darnaud. Located in the city’s 13th arrondissement, it offers health mornings (yoga and pilates), creative workshops, performances, DJ sets and weekly events centred around fashion and film shows. ‘We wanted a contemporary living environment that would abolish the boundaries between creative activities and relaxation spaces,’ says owner Arnaud Frisch.

32 Quai d’Austerlitz 75013 Paris; www.wanderlustparis.com

Writer: Lauren Ho

Blossom Hill boutique botel, Zhouzhuang, China

‘Venice with Chinese characteristics’ is how you might describe Zhouzhuang, a 900-year-old water town near the old silk centre Suzhou, 35 miles west of Shanghai. Punting through the canals you see the influence not of the Medicis but of the Ming Dynasty in its iconic bridges and opulent homes, most of them unaffected by the 21st century.

Blossom Hill is the fusion of three Ming-style homes, reconstructed and refurbished by Shanghai-based Dariel Studio. The 20-suite hotel retains its original pillars, beams, stone lintels and traditional roof, as well as terraces connecting the front and back halls. Designer Thomas Dariel took inspiration from the Chinese solar calendar in a layout guided by the intensity of the natural light and a seasonal palette of yellows, oranges and purples. Then, with a nod to his French heritage, he fashioned a Parisian salon in the library with a fireplace and a baby-grand piano. The restaurant blends Ming furnishings with French ceramics

110 Zhongshi Road, Kunshan; tel: 86.512 5722 0008; www.blossomhillinn.com

Writer: Ellen Himelfarb

Blossom Hill boutique botel, Zhouzhuang, China

‘Venice with Chinese characteristics’ is how you might describe Zhouzhuang, a 900-year-old water town near the old silk centre Suzhou, 35 miles west of Shanghai. Punting through the canals you see the influence not of the Medicis but of the Ming Dynasty in its iconic bridges and opulent homes, most of them unaffected by the 21st century.

Blossom Hill is the fusion of three Ming-style homes, reconstructed and refurbished by Shanghai-based Dariel Studio. The 20-suite hotel retains its original pillars, beams, stone lintels and traditional roof, as well as terraces connecting the front and back halls. Designer Thomas Dariel took inspiration from the Chinese solar calendar in a layout guided by the intensity of the natural light and a seasonal palette of yellows, oranges and purples. Then, with a nod to his French heritage, he fashioned a Parisian salon in the library with a fireplace and a baby-grand piano. The restaurant blends Ming furnishings with French ceramics

110 Zhongshi Road, Kunshan; tel: 86.512 5722 0008; www.blossomhillinn.com

Writer: Ellen Himelfarb

Blossom Hill boutique botel, Zhouzhuang, China

‘Venice with Chinese characteristics’ is how you might describe Zhouzhuang, a 900-year-old water town near the old silk centre Suzhou, 35 miles west of Shanghai. Punting through the canals you see the influence not of the Medicis but of the Ming Dynasty in its iconic bridges and opulent homes, most of them unaffected by the 21st century.

Blossom Hill is the fusion of three Ming-style homes, reconstructed and refurbished by Shanghai-based Dariel Studio. The 20-suite hotel retains its original pillars, beams, stone lintels and traditional roof, as well as terraces connecting the front and back halls. Designer Thomas Dariel took inspiration from the Chinese solar calendar in a layout guided by the intensity of the natural light and a seasonal palette of yellows, oranges and purples. Then, with a nod to his French heritage, he fashioned a Parisian salon in the library with a fireplace and a baby-grand piano. The restaurant blends Ming furnishings with French ceramics

110 Zhongshi Road, Kunshan; tel: 86.512 5722 0008; www.blossomhillinn.com

Writer: Ellen Himelfarb

Blossom Hill boutique botel, Zhouzhuang, China

‘Venice with Chinese characteristics’ is how you might describe Zhouzhuang, a 900-year-old water town near the old silk centre Suzhou, 35 miles west of Shanghai. Punting through the canals you see the influence not of the Medicis but of the Ming Dynasty in its iconic bridges and opulent homes, most of them unaffected by the 21st century.

Blossom Hill is the fusion of three Ming-style homes, reconstructed and refurbished by Shanghai-based Dariel Studio. The 20-suite hotel retains its original pillars, beams, stone lintels and traditional roof, as well as terraces connecting the front and back halls. Designer Thomas Dariel took inspiration from the Chinese solar calendar in a layout guided by the intensity of the natural light and a seasonal palette of yellows, oranges and purples. Then, with a nod to his French heritage, he fashioned a Parisian salon in the library with a fireplace and a baby-grand piano. The restaurant blends Ming furnishings with French ceramics

110 Zhongshi Road, Kunshan; tel: 86.512 5722 0008; www.blossomhillinn.com

Writer: Ellen Himelfarb

ECC Lower East Side, NYC

After delays, delays and more delays, the Experimental Cocktail Club Lower East Side has finally opened. With French boys creating the best of cocktails and music, and a German Coco in charge of the service, it's a winner even for the tough NY crowd. The bar is located right next to risque cabaret club, The Box, and features glass windows so you can look inside, which is (for NY standards) unusual for such speakeasy spots. Designer Dorothée Meilichzon integrated the local multicultural neighbourhood into the design and themed the space after great colonial explorations, using Indian landscape frescos, leopard skin, rattan and peacock feathers, while keeping a French touch - bien entendu - just like Yves Saint Laurent would have decorated his Chateau Gabriel. Of course, the cocktails are exquisite, made from vintage and unusual spirits and liqueurs. A favourite is the ‘Vintage Stinger’, served with 1960s Hennessy Bras Arme and 1940s Imperium Creme de Menthe.

Lower East Side, 191 Chrystie; www.experimentalcocktailclubny.com

Writer: Sara Henrichs

SLS South Beach, USA

Los Angeles-based hotelier Sam Nazarian is finally opening the long-awaited follow-up to his SLS Beverly Hill hotel - the ocean-front SLS South Beach. The hotel inhabits the former Ritz Plaza, built by architect L. Murray Dixon in 1939, which was Miami's tallest building for three decades. Now the architect's iconic design has been cleverly married with a dose of Philippe Starck's signature surrealist whimsy within. The reception is inspired by a retro-styled American 'sleep-away' camp, complete with recycled-wood desk and classic canoe suspended from the ceiling, while the guest rooms have a traditional old world feel, echoing France's pre-Revolutionary royal court. Meanwhile, the sprawling penthouse bungalow has been designed by rock-and-soul legend Lenny Kravitz.

1701 Collins Avenue; Miami Beach, Florida; Tel: 1.305 674 1702; www.slshotels.com/southbeach

Writer: Sara Henrichs

SLS Miami, USA

Los Angeles-based hotelier Sam Nazarian is finally opening the long-awaited follow-up to his SLS Beverly Hill hotel - the ocean-front SLS South Beach. The hotel inhabits the former Ritz Plaza, built by architect L. Murray Dixon in 1939, which was Miami's tallest building for three decades. Now the architect's iconic design has been cleverly married with a dose of Philippe Starck's signature surrealist whimsy within. The reception is inspired by a retro-styled American 'sleep-away' camp, complete with recycled-wood desk and classic canoe suspended from the ceiling, while the guest rooms have a traditional old world feel, echoing France's pre-Revolutionary royal court. Meanwhile, the sprawling penthouse bungalow has been designed by rock-and-soul legend Lenny Kravitz.

1701 Collins Avenue; Miami Beach, Florida; Tel: 1.305 674 1702; www.slshotels.com/southbeach

Writer: Sara Henrichs

Caro Hotel, Valencia

Interior designer Francesc Rifé has created this contemporary hotel in the middle of the old town of this vibrant Mediterranean city, just 200m from the cathedral. The building, the Palace of Marquis of Caro, is a mix of different ages, combining Roman mosaics of the 2nd century BC, the Arab wall of the 12th century, and gothic arches and a façade from the 19th century. All of these are mixed by Rifé with clean lines, an abundance of wood, and modern furniture (most of it designed by him). A carefully considered lighting system ensures a warm, intimate atmosphere. The 26 rooms are all different in character (the top floor ones, with sloping ceilings, are superb), featuring big beds and spa style bathrooms. The gastronomic restaurant (Alma del Temple) and the bar and terrace (Meta Bar) are open to non-guests and are well worth a visit.

Almirante, 1. Valencia 46003, tel. 34.963 059 000, www.carohotel.com

Writer: Alvaro Castro

Caro Hotel, Valencia

Interior designer Francesc Rifé has created this contemporary hotel in the middle of the old town of this vibrant Mediterranean city, just 200m from the cathedral. The building, the Palace of Marquis of Caro, is a mix of different ages, combining Roman mosaics of the 2nd century BC, the Arab wall of the 12th century, and gothic arches and a façade from the 19th century. All of these are mixed by Rifé with clean lines, an abundance of wood, and modern furniture (most of it designed by him). A carefully considered lighting system ensures a warm, intimate atmosphere. The 26 rooms are all different in character (the top floor ones, with sloping ceilings, are superb), featuring big beds and spa style bathrooms. The gastronomic restaurant (Alma del Temple) and the bar and terrace (Meta Bar) are open to non-guests and are well worth a visit.

Almirante, 1. Valencia 46003, tel. 34.963 059 000, www.carohotel.com

Writer: Alvaro Castro

Caro Hotel, Valencia

Interior designer Francesc Rifé has created this contemporary hotel in the middle of the old town of this vibrant Mediterranean city, just 200m from the cathedral. The building, the Palace of Marquis of Caro, is a mix of different ages, combining Roman mosaics of the 2nd century BC, the Arab wall of the 12th century, and gothic arches and a façade from the 19th century. All of these are mixed by Rifé with clean lines, an abundance of wood, and modern furniture (most of it designed by him). A carefully considered lighting system ensures a warm, intimate atmosphere. The 26 rooms are all different in character (the top floor ones, with sloping ceilings, are superb), featuring big beds and spa style bathrooms. The gastronomic restaurant (Alma del Temple) and the bar and terrace (Meta Bar) are open to non-guests and are well worth a visit.

Almirante, 1. Valencia 46003, tel. 34.963 059 000, www.carohotel.com

Writer: Alvaro Castro

Caro Hotel, Valencia

Interior designer Francesc Rifé has created this contemporary hotel in the middle of the old town of this vibrant Mediterranean city, just 200m from the cathedral. The building, the Palace of Marquis of Caro, is a mix of different ages, combining Roman mosaics of the 2nd century BC, the Arab wall of the 12th century, and gothic arches and a façade from the 19th century. All of these are mixed by Rifé with clean lines, an abundance of wood, and modern furniture (most of it designed by him). A carefully considered lighting system ensures a warm, intimate atmosphere. The 26 rooms are all different in character (the top floor ones, with sloping ceilings, are superb), featuring big beds and spa style bathrooms. The gastronomic restaurant (Alma del Temple) and the bar and terrace (Meta Bar) are open to non-guests and are well worth a visit.

Almirante, 1. Valencia 46003, tel. 34.963 059 000, www.carohotel.com

Writer: Alvaro Castro

Caro Hotel, Valencia

Interior designer Francesc Rifé has created this contemporary hotel in the middle of the old town of this vibrant Mediterranean city, just 200m from the cathedral. The building, the Palace of Marquis of Caro, is a mix of different ages, combining Roman mosaics of the 2nd century BC, the Arab wall of the 12th century, and gothic arches and a façade from the 19th century. All of these are mixed by Rifé with clean lines, an abundance of wood, and modern furniture (most of it designed by him). A carefully considered lighting system ensures a warm, intimate atmosphere. The 26 rooms are all different in character (the top floor ones, with sloping ceilings, are superb), featuring big beds and spa style bathrooms. The gastronomic restaurant (Alma del Temple) and the bar and terrace (Meta Bar) are open to non-guests and are well worth a visit.

Almirante, 1. Valencia 46003, tel. 34.963 059 000, www.carohotel.com

Writer: Alvaro Castro

The Siam, Bangkok

Bangkok's newest boutique hotel, the Siam, opens this month with a distinctive blend of modern and traditional architecture and inspired design, courtesy of Bensley Design Studios. The 39 art deco-style suites and pool villas enjoy a coveted riverside location and feature the Thai owner's extensive collection of art and antiques. The hammam-style bath house (with covetable Sodashi products), library, cinema and traditional Thai tea garden set a new standard of decadence. And The Siam offers the first Muay Thai boxing ring ever to grace a hotel. For an even more authentic Bangkok experience, there’s also the option of staying in a century-old house once belonging to silk-trader Jim Thompson.

3/2 Thanon Khao, Bangkok 10300, tel: 66 (0)2-2066999, www.thesiamhotel.com

By Catherine Shaw 
Photographer: Igor Prahin

The Siam, Bangkok

Bangkok's newest boutique hotel, the Siam, opens this month with a distinctive blend of modern and traditional architecture and inspired design, courtesy of Bensley Design Studios. The 39 art deco-style suites and pool villas enjoy a coveted riverside location and feature the Thai owner's extensive collection of art and antiques. The hammam-style bath house (with covetable Sodashi products), library, cinema and traditional Thai tea garden set a new standard of decadence. And The Siam offers the first Muay Thai boxing ring ever to grace a hotel. For an even more authentic Bangkok experience, there’s also the option of staying in a century-old house once belonging to silk-trader Jim Thompson.

3/2 Thanon Khao, Bangkok 10300, tel: 66 (0)2-2066999, www.thesiamhotel.com

By Catherine Shaw
Photographer: Igor Prahin 

The Siam, Bangkok 

Bangkok's newest boutique hotel, the Siam, opens this month with a distinctive blend of modern and traditional architecture and inspired design, courtesy of Bensley Design Studios. The 39 art deco-style suites and pool villas enjoy a coveted riverside location and feature the Thai owner's extensive collection of art and antiques. The hammam-style bath house (with covetable Sodashi products), library, cinema and traditional Thai tea garden set a new standard of decadence. And The Siam offers the first Muay Thai boxing ring ever to grace a hotel. For an even more authentic Bangkok experience, there’s also the option of staying in a century-old house once belonging to silk-trader Jim Thompson.

3/2 Thanon Khao, Bangkok 10300, tel: 66 (0)2-2066999, www.thesiamhotel.com

By Catherine Shaw
Photographer: Igor Prahin