Daily Tablet Hotel

Pestana Convento do Carmo : Salvador, Brazil

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 05:00:14 GMT

The Pestana Convento do Carmo is the product of a familiar formula: a large hotel chain snaps up a small historic property, tears down the old wallpaper and knocks down a few walls, brings in the fine linens and installs a sophisticated lighting system, then reintroduces the place to the public as an upscale hôtel de charme. Luckily, the contemporary renovations haven’t at all diminished the original charms of this 16th-century Carmelite convent — the silver just shines a little brighter in the dining room and the once-murky courtyard fountain is replaced by a gorgeous swimming pool.

Centrally situated in Salvador’s old city, this former convent still bears strong traces of the Portuguese friars who built it. The architecture is European colonial, with dramatic stone archways and a pair of cloisters, while indoors, colorful tile and religious artwork abound. The decor is grand in the public spaces — antique furniture, high wood-beamed ceilings, gilded mirrors and chandeliers, rich hues of dark red and cobalt blue — while the 79 guest rooms subtly remind you that you’re still in a convent. Structural changes to the original building turned rows of single rooms into spacious suites with flat-screen TVs, L’Occitane products, oversized shower heads and wireless internet. But the rooms’ hardwood floors, shadowy corners, and old-fashioned writing desks keep the guest quarters firmly grounded in their humbler history.

The hotel’s acclaimed Restaurante Conventual, too, has stayed true to the convent’s past: there’s no generic “international” cuisine here, just traditional Portuguese delicacies like suckling pig, and a killer selection of fine olive oils. After an afternoon exploring the steep cobbled streets of Salvador’s old city, guests can seek a little R&R at the hotel’s spa, or in one of the inviting canopied chaises circling the pool.

Hotel Murmuri : Barcelona, Spain

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 05:00:11 GMT

At one extreme Barcelona’s got bold avant-garde architecture and streaming Mediterranean sunshine. And at the other it’s got quiet, chic little hideaways like the Murmuri, a 53-room boutique hotel just off the Passeig de Gràcia, in Barcelona’s central Eixample district.

There’s a refreshing lack of grand-hotel pomp here; though it’s quite a bit bigger than a guest house, the Murmuri is more like a stylish pied à terre. Here in the center of town what you’re after is a refuge, a bit of calm, and the Murmuri certainly offers that.

The rooms are chic, more fashion-world than design-world — elegant rather than avant-garde. Earth tones predominate, and the comforts are legion: flat-screen televisions, iPod docks, double-glazed windows and well-equipped modern bathrooms with top-shelf toiletries.

There’s no shortage of excellent dining in Barcelona, but the Murmuri’s restaurant is worth a look for its mix of Thai influence and Catalonian tradition. And how does a hotel this small and intimate manage to offer a pool, a spa, and a fitness center? It doesn’t, technically — but Murmuri guests have access to the facilities at the Majestic, a more typical luxury hotel a short walk away. It’s an arrangement that, in this case, works better than you might expect.

The Harmony Hotel : Nosara, Guanacaste, Costa Rica

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 05:00:47 GMT

If the hotel’s name sounds a little New Age, it’s no mistake: this sustainable resort on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast is dedicated to the green lifestyle, complete with yoga classes and vegetarian tapas. But the Harmony Hotel, despite its popularity with eco-friendly travelers and surfers, isn’t exactly a hippie compound. The elegant beachfront property just makes the most of its natural setting – lining its sandy paths with tropical gardens, crafting flavorful contemporary cuisine from locally grown plantains and mangoes, and using an open-air architectural style that allows ocean breezes to sweep through many of the hotel’s buildings.

Earthy hues and natural textures fill the hotel’s guest quarters, a series of 24 units occupying thatched-roof structures along a walkway that leads to the beach. High, vaulted ceilings, smooth wood, fresh white linens, king-sized beds, and wireless internet come standard; even the most basic ‘Cocos’ rooms, situated on either side of a central swimming pool, feature large private patios with outdoor showers and hammocks. A handful of bungalows, each constructed with an open, airy design, each boast big wooden decks — and one two-bedroom bungalow suite, large enough to accommodate six people, is surrounded by a wide wraparound porch perfect for lounging (or downward-facing dog, if you so desire.) The luxe Harmony House, an independent structure located on the hill behind the hotel, boasts a full kitchen and an infinity pool.

The swimming pool, surrounded by lush vegetation and beautifully illuminated at night, is, unsurprisingly, chlorine-free. Community yoga classes are great for beginners — but if somehow meditation at the hotel’s Healing Centre or raw food and vegetable elixirs at the Juice Bar aren’t for you, head to the beach and nearby Playa Guiones, a surf spot that’s popular year-round.

How to get there:

The Harmony Hotel is approximately a 6 hour drive from San Jose International Airport and 2-3 hours from the Liberia - Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport. Please contact customerservice@tablethotels.com to arrange airport transfers.

Ohtel : Wellington, New Zealand

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 05:00:13 GMT

It can be argued that New Zealand’s hospitality world is a victim of its own success in one important sense — thanks to the popularity of the rugged country lodges, the more cosmopolitan urban hotels end up neglected. Of course the urban hoteliers are working to put things right, and with hotels like the Ohtel, in the capital city of Wellington, they’re making great strides.

This is a high-design boutique hotel in the most sophisticated international style, right down to the meticulously curated collection of mid-century modernist furnishings and the racy (and yet quite luxurious) glass-walled bathrooms, complete with two-person soaking tubs. The style is modern but there’s an obvious emphasis on traditional craftsmanship and well-chosen materials. High-quality beds, baths and furnishings strive for honest old-fashioned comfort, while the latest technologies keep you connected, and aim for an infinitely customizable experience.

With just ten rooms the Ohtel comes at a very manageable size, and it’s owner-operated, which, combined with that natural New Zealand friendliness, means there’s none of the attitude that usually accompanies a hotel that’s so stylish. An excellent start for Wellington, and a reminder that there’s more to life than just the lodges.

Le Lodge Park : Megeve, France

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 05:00:37 GMT

If you’re of the mind that the precious little chalets of the French ski country could use a rougher edge, you’re not alone. No less a regional authority than the Sibuet family seems to agree, if their hotels are any indication. Just as their farmhouse hotels are a bit more rustic than most, their slopeside Megève hotels are more lodges than chalets — especially this one, Le Lodge Park, whose rough-hewn log-and-stone construction would look at home in the rugged Canadian Rockies. Here, amid the après-ski glamour of Megève, it’s a distinctive look indeed.

But one mustn’t make too much of the aesthetics. Once you’ve registered the singularly woodsy charm of the place, you’re likely to turn your attention to more tactile concerns: the high-end bedding, the indulgent modern bathrooms, and, in many cases, the fireplaces. There’s a small spa downstairs, with four treatment rooms, and the bar and restaurants are among the town’s hottest tickets. Don’t expect to see anyone dressed as a lumberjack over dinner — though the décor at Le Lodge Park may ironically signal otherwise, Megève is still every inch a high-end destination, and they didn’t call it the 21st Arrondissement for nothing.

Abracadabra Pousada : Buzios, Brazil

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 05:00:10 GMT

For a new spin on a classic destination it’s never a bad idea to find out where your favorite spot’s residents take themselves on holiday. In the case of Rio, that destination is Búzios, a fishing village turned beachside getaway two hours’ drive to the east, a place where rather than towering five-star hotels you’ll find intimate little escapes like the Abracadabra Pousada.

Just sixteen rooms on a hill above the bay, it’s the perfect antidote to the city hotels. Half the rooms have views out to sea, as does the pool deck — and all are stylishly and simply outfitted. Out here it doesn’t take much to set a tone of luxurious calm, just a canopy bed and a draft of ocean air.

Of course this being Brazil, Búzios is a bit on the lively side; anyone looking for a desert-island experience would do better on, well, a desert island. Here the party’s never far off, and at Abracadabra the drinks are usually pouring poolside. And if that’s not enough, the pousada’s entry is right on the Rua das Pedras, the main Búzios strip — so the shopping, dining and nightlife begin just about right at your front door.

How to get there:

Abracadabra Pousada is a 2 1/2 hour drive from Galeão - Antônio Carlos Jobim International Airport in Rio de Janeiro. Please contact customerservice@tablethotels.com to arrange airport transfers.

One Bal Harbour Resort and Spa : Bal Harbour, FL, USA

Sat, 14 Nov 2009 05:00:12 GMT

There are times when the most desirable destinations feel a little too desirable, and South Beach is no different. The very same glamour and buzz that make it one of the travel capitals of the United States can also leave guests badly in need of some peace and quiet. It’s a stretch to say, as the One Bal Harbour Resort and Spa does, that Bal Harbour is quite ideally located, but in fact it’s that small measure of remoteness, some fifteen minutes north of South Beach, that makes this a tantalizing locale for an all-new luxury hotel of the One Bal Harbour Resort and Spa’s stature.

For one thing, you can’t put up 17 new floors full of generously sized studios and suites down in South Beach today. What the hotel's accommodations may lack in proximity to the intersection of Lincoln and Collins they more than make up for in state-of-the-art modern comforts, including espresso machines, plasma-screen entertainment systems, and massive bathrooms, with freestanding tubs beside ten-foot floor-to-ceiling windows.

There’s plenty of room for ten thousand square feet of spa, as well as an outdoor pool and a selection of private cabanas and whirlpool tubs. And there’s just enough to eat and drink — realistically you won’t hole up in your room during your entire stay, but a fine restaurant and bar mean a night in is a viable option.

Relais Bourgondisch Cruyce : Bruges, Flanders, Belgium

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 05:00:12 GMT

If what you’re after is a picturesque medieval town, criss-crossed with canals, you should know that Bruges out-Amsterdams Amsterdam by some distance. And only in Bruges could you find a hotel like the Relais Bourgondisch Cruyce. It occupies a pair of gorgeous, delicate old timbered houses, and presents the very real risk that you’ll spend more time out front, photographing it from the canal side, than you will in your room itself.

The interiors are what you could call consciously classic — they depend more for their historical atmosphere on careful selection and placement of antiques (and the occasional modern piece) than on simply not moving any of the furniture for a hundred years or more. Views of the canal are most highly prized, though only a few rooms have them, and to look out the back towards the charming little courtyard is not exactly punishment.

There’s a restaurant associated with, but not quite on the premises of, the Relais Bourgodisch Cruyce — though room service is available round the clock. Even without the stunning setting, the intimate vibe of the place (much helped by the small size, and the presence of the family owner-operators) would be enough to recommend it.

The Samling : The Lake District - Windermere, Cumbria, England, UK

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 05:00:24 GMT

It’s a dense country, and it’s hard to find a place that feels truly remote. But deep in the Cumbrian countryside of North West England, on a hillside above the shores of Lake Windermere, you’ll find the Samling, an 18th-century house that’s entering a new phase of life as an intimate 11-room boutique hotel.

Here “intimate” isn’t an exaggeration. It’s a small enough house that it can be booked in its entirety for larger parties, and even when it’s operating as a normal hotel it’s smaller and less fussy than the ordinary country-house hotel. Rather than a period drama full of maids and footmen, it’s a bit more like a private vacation home — service is excellent, but secondary to the main spectacle, which is the house, the estate and the lake.

Those surroundings, it must be said, are also a bit of a departure from the country-house hotel norm. Rather than acre after acre of manicured parkland, here you’re surrounded by a rough and wild landscape. From the stately rooms to the elegant restaurant to the bramble and bush on the hillside above the lake — the Samling is an experience of contrasts from beginning to end.

The Mansion on Peachtree, A Rosewood Hotel : Atlanta, GA, USA

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 05:00:24 GMT

Anyone who underestimates Atlanta hasn’t spent time there. This is the unofficial capital of the South, and it’s not only a cosmopolitan city, but an affluent one as well — an impression that’s reinforced by a hotel like the Mansion on Peachtree, A Rosewood Hotel, in the upscale northern suburb of Buckhead.

It’s a high-rise tower, but there’s still plenty of mansion about the Mansion. It starts with attentive valets and enthusiastic staffers, and extends all the way up to the private butler service. And the décor is more elegant than simply opulent: plenty of Atlanta hotels look rich, but this one is positively genteel.

This is a new build, so the rooms have plenty of space, and the bathrooms are oversized, in keeping with the modern tendency. A full-service spa is a necessity, as is plentiful meeting and events space, and two restaurants, one of them the Atlanta outpost of Tom Colicchio’s Craft.

A word about the location: to call Buckhead a suburb is perhaps a bit simplistic. It’s a destination in its own right, and Atlanta is in some ways a city with multiple centers. It’s also a city with quite a lot of traffic — you don’t want to get caught driving repeatedly across town, so choose your lodging accordingly.

Ellerman House : Cape Town, South Africa

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 05:00:12 GMT

Cape Town suffers from no shortage of luxury hotels, that’s for sure. But rare is the degree of historical character on display at Ellerman House. It’s almost a century old now, and looks every bit as old as it is — which, in a business that’s increasingly obsessed with youthful looks and modern design, is a sure-fire way to distance yourself from the crowd.

No amount of designer furniture, anyway, could measure up to the sea view from Ellerman House’s hilltop vantage, and faced with the choice between a hip bar with a bouncer and a terrace restaurant with proper, professional service, we know which one we’d pick. Not to say the place looks old, by any means — it’s so well-kept you’ll think you’ve gone back a hundred years.

There are just eleven rooms, so it feels more like a manor-house getaway than a hotel per se, and despite their historical style they’ll compete with any modern hotel room on pure comfort. And if for some reason you’re of a mind to reject the old-world atmosphere of the place, they’ve got an answer for that as well: the Ellerman Villa, an architecturally modern three-bedroom house, which marries the location, views and service of the Ellerman House with a grown-up modern style that’s straight out of the architecture journals.

Loden Hotel : Vancouver, BC, Canada

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 05:00:51 GMT

Many hotels in Vancouver can boast breathtaking views — this town is nothing if not topographically gifted. However, the district of Coal Harbour on the north edge of downtown has a slight edge on the rest. Think of it as stadium seating for the panorama that unfolds across the Burrard Inlet. Coal Harbour itself is a tony spot well worth an evening stroll; recently redeveloped with parks and a marina, the neighborhood boasts a sophisticated collection of towers with a level of design not commonly found in North American cities, and in one of these sleek glass towers you’ll find the Loden Hotel.

Rooms at the Loden are available in five levels of understated fabulousness, the pinnacle of which is the Halo Suite, which comes complete with wrap-around terrace for superb mountain-ogling. Fabulousness is also to be found in memorably mid-century modern touches throughout, while understated-ness ensures an unpretentious experience thanks to a muted regional color palette (no forest-green bedspreads to be found) and exquisite service. The extra deep soaking tubs are a most welcome feature on romantically drizzly winter nights.

Loden’s acclaimed in-house French restaurant, Voya, is just plain sexy, with a hint of late-1940s lounge atmosphere, which is echoed in the bedrooms. One would be as fortunate to spend several hours in the dining room as to order room service and dine in the soaking tub — stay two nights and you could do both. Save time to sip multiple cups of coffee, explore the city’s vibrant arts scene, and savor some pine scents from the source in nearby Stanley Park.

Hotel Le Grand Balcon : Toulouse, France

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 05:00:14 GMT

Unless you’re an academic, an aerospace engineer, or, you know, French, you probably don’t pay a huge amount of attention to what goes on in Toulouse. The south gets more tourist traffic than the southwest, but that doesn’t mean there’s nothing to see here: a look at the Hôtel Le Grand Balcon reveals a hotel as sophisticated and cosmopolitan as any design-conscious European boutique.

In this it helps to have a designer of Jean-Philippe Nuel’s caliber; the interior architect’s work might be more familiar from Parisian haunts like the Hôtel Thérèse, but he’s in top form here as well, mixing sober modernism with whimsical touches including a cloud motif, a nod to the hotel’s heritage — this used to be the lodging of choice for French air mail pilots. The rooms are sensibly named, from Cosy on up through Classic and Deluxe to the Suite Saint Exupéry, named for the literary aviator who once made his home here.

The location is quite central, just off the Place du Capitole, and the city center is easily walkable. In typical French city-boutique style there’s no restaurant per se, just breakfast in the stylish little lounge bar — after that you’re on your own at the heart of a charming old city.

Bora Bora Nui Resort : Bora Bora, French Polynesia

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 05:01:07 GMT

The notion of bungalows on pylons in shallow seawater is not a new one — it has been the modus operandi of French Polynesian hoteliers for decades. But there's a reason why this fad never died out, and if you have never experienced overwater bungalow living, it's definitely worth a try.

Bora Bora Nui takes this concept to its most theatrical extreme, with glass panels in the Indonesian hardwood floors of the overwater bungalows, to allow guests to watch the sea life from the privacy of the guest room. And this isn't one of those strict get-away-from-it-all resorts — your smartly decorated bungalow comes complete with a stereo system and two television sets, for those moments when the fish just aren't doing it for you.

There is a beach, naturally, and all the activities one expects from a seaside island resort and then some, from scuba diving and kayaking to shark feeding. The lobby is on stilts just like the bungalows, accessible by paddling in one's canoe or kayak, and yes, on foot as well, but what's the fun in that?

Then again if the thought of all this makes you seasick, there are 36 villas on dry land, scattered along the terraced hillside. Also on dry land is the Mandara spa and fitness center, high atop the hill with panoramic views of Otemanu peak and the surrounding islands. Treatments, including the signature two-hour Bora Bora Indulgence, are administered in one of four private bungalows — though the staff will come to you, if you can't bear to be away from your fish for that long.

How to get there:

From Motu Mute Airport, you are met by a hotel staff member. There is a free 20 minute water taxi from the airport to the resort. Please contact customerservice@tablethotels.com to arrange airport transfers.

Hotel Croatia : Dubrovnik, Croatia

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 05:00:06 GMT

Landlocked Eastern Europeans longing for the sight of open water have long been acquainted with the seaside delights of Dubrovnik, and in recent years the rest of the world has been quickly catching up, as this historic city has become a major tourist destination. Many out-of-towners find accommodations situated within the massive walls of the Old Town the most desirable, but just down the coast in the village of Catvat is a quieter hotel; one plush enough to host discriminating clients like the late Prince Rainier of Monaco.

The Hotel Croatia, located less than 20 kilometers outside Dubrovnik, may have limited access to city attractions like cafés and theatres, but the natural beauty of an unobstructed view over the Adriatic Sea is, for some, a superior asset. The sprawling resort has undergone major restorations since opening its doors in 1973. The property retains its retro charm, however, with curvy minimalist furnishings and eye-poppingly bright colors on the walls throughout the public spaces and the kitschy cocktail bar.

The time-capsule decor is convincing enough that more than a few filmmakers have used the hotel as a movie set; the guest rooms, on the other hand, are less offbeat, and conform to contemporary standards. Neutral-hued rooms and suites are cozy and warmly lit, some with wireless internet access, terraces, and whirlpool bathtubs, while the view beckons guests off their beige sofas and onto the hotel’s private beaches.

Hotel Excelsior : Munich, Germany

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 05:00:17 GMT

Independent, family-owned, intimate, with the kind of gorgeous traditional interiors the big luxury chains would kill for — that’s the Hotel Excelsior in a nutshell. You can find anything you want in Munich, from grand hotels to design experiments, but this sort of thing is, and probably always will be, quite rare.

It’s largely a replica, as the building fell on difficult times during the last war, and the décor certainly isn’t authentically 19th-century vintage. But the style is faithfully recreated, and the relative newness of the materials only adds to the sparkle of the building’s old facade and the lush fabrics and woodwork of the guest rooms. After all, they didn’t have soundproofing like this a century ago, and nor did they have satellite TV. And more than the gadgetry, what matters is the personality — it’s hardly kitschily, stereotypically Bavarian, but there’s clearly some history here.

There’s a restaurant on site, the Vinothek, as well as a cocktail bar with a fine selection of Bavarian beers. And, as luck would have it, the Excelsior’s owners happen to be restaurateurs — they’re only too happy to direct you to their other offerings, the Michelin-starred Königshof and the more casual Anna.

Hotel del Casco : Buenos Aires, Argentina

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 05:00:09 GMT

In the last few years in Buenos Aires, boutique hotels have been popping up left and right. Some are perfectly stylish urban havens, while others are minimalist knockoffs that miss the mark. The Hotel del Casco, steeped in genteel history, doesn’t fit into either category. The palazzo was restored in 2003, but the building’s grand rooms, patios, and conservatory retain their original old-fashioned elegance.

The quiet hotel’s twenty guest rooms, many facing the central courtyard, are classically luxurious, featuring Egyptian cotton sheets, king beds and roll-top baths. But it’s the character of the historic building that makes the Hotel del Casco special: the exposed brick walls, high ceilings, intricate tapestries, and antique chandeliers are reminders of a gentler past. The freestanding Casa del Casco, a four-bedroom villa with its own swimming pool, is a splurge-worthy indulgence. Other guests have access to the hotel’s solarium, pool, spa area, and fitness center. Somewhat surprisingly, there is no in-house restaurant, though a continental breakfast is served in the conservatory — it would be a shame, at any rate, to stay holed up in the hotel when restaurants serving world-class steak and wine surround you.

It must be noted that the Hotel del Casco’s charm depends in no small part on its location in the leafy, moneyed neighborhood of San Isidro. This north-of-downtown suburb isn’t really in the city at all, and though cultural attractions can be easily reached in a taxi, the place is better suited to those seeking turn-of-the-century sophistication and repose rather than travelers on a tight sightseeing schedule.

Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara : Hameem, Abu Dhabi, UAE

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 05:00:08 GMT

Until recently the Anantara resorts were pretty much confined to the lush environs of Thailand, the Maldives and Indonesia; their move into the United Arab Emirates comes as something of a surprise. And we’re not even talking about a hotel on stilts off some island in the Gulf — the Anantara Resort & Spa Qasr Al Sarab is an oasis an hour and a half outside of Abu Dhabi, in the middle of the Liwa Desert, which is part of the Empty Quarter, the biggest stretch of bare sand in the world.

So this one definitely isn’t lush. What it is, however, is plush: the most basic rooms are very big indeed, with oversized soaking tubs and stunning views of the dunes, while the suites and villas, it’s fair to say, remind you rather forcefully that you’re in the Emirates, a place that’s not shy about luxury. Space is absolutely not an issue, and the comforts go above and beyond anything you could rightly expect.

You don’t venture this far out into the desert unless you’re in search of some peace and quiet. The Anantara spa goes a long way towards scratching that particular itch, as does the infinity pool, and these are the sort of rooms and suites you could quite comfortably shut yourself in for days at a time.

Tomtom Suites : Istanbul, Turkey

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 05:00:37 GMT

In this enormous city the prevailing trend in hospitality seems, oddly enough, to be something along the lines of “smaller is better.” And who are we to argue? We’ve got nothing against the big boys, but when you can provide top-shelf service and world-class style in a smaller, more intimate hotel, you’re on to something good. Here, in the upscale residential and diplomatic district around Galata and Pera, is a perfect example, in the form of Tomtom Suites.

A former convent, Tomtom is still quiet enough — but it’s not about self-denial. The modern interiors are simple but rich, in earth tones and parquet floors, the look perhaps more residential than many hotels. Suites are visually subtle but lack for nothing in the area of luxury — massive marble bathrooms are standard, and butlers attend to guests’ every need.

There’s a charming and understated little bistro, and a rooftop terrace bar with a view of the city, as well as more meeting space than most 20-unit hotels can boast. It’s an excellent option for business travelers, but a worthy option for leisure as well — Taksim Square, just down the road, is one of Istanbul’s many centers, a dining and shopping district to match any in the world.

Vedema Resort : Santorini, Greece

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 05:01:30 GMT

Please note: Vedema Resort is closed for the winter season and will reopen May 1, 2010.

Some don’t bother with Santorini unless they’ve got a front-row cliffside view of the caldera — but visit in high season and you’ll soon find you’re very far from alone. There are alternatives, though, for escaping the crowds; the island is home to any number of family-run bed and breakfasts, and more than a few modestly sized guest houses or mansion hotels. If it’s five-star resort hospitality you’re after, though, Vedema is one of just a few worthy options.

Located in the medieval village of Megalohori, just outside the island’s capital of Fira, Vedema is a converted 15th-century winery, where gleaming white villas surround numerous courtyards and overlook the vineyards, the town, and that deep blue sea. The accommodations are spacious, and the traditional Greek décor falls neatly in line with what international travelers expect to see—white walls, smart, spare furnishings and generous sitting areas. Modern must-haves are accounted for as well, from satellite TV and DVD players to Egyptian cotton linens.

White and black sand beaches are there for the exploring, and the wine cellar is open for your perusal, including regular tastings. The main advantage of a resort like this, over a family-run hotel, is the wide array of facilities: two restaurants, a wine bar, a Cocoon spa and an open-air jacuzzi are among the offerings. Villa Vedema might not be at the nexus of Santorini’s traditional tourist destinations, but with accommodations so luxe, you’ll be tempted to stay in and just soak in the atmosphere.

The Ritz-Carlton Beijing, Financial Street : Beijing, China

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 05:01:24 GMT

Most Ritz-Carltons look, from the lobby if not from the street, like something out of Revolutionary France; in 21st-century Beijing that would just be perverse. Here, in a modern glass skyscraper on Beijing’s very sensibly named Financial Street, is a new breed of Ritz-Carlton, one that departs in two ways: not only is it strikingly contemporary, ever so slightly on the minimalist side, but it’s also very identifiably Chinese.

Nowhere, though, do the visuals threaten to overwhelm the pure old-school luxury of the place. In the rooms the contemporary furnishings are more notable for their comfort than for their looks, and no expense has been spared in making these rooms the absolute state of the luxury art: everything’s totally wired and electronically controlled, and televisions include 37-inch LCD screens in the main room, 15-inch in the lavish marble bathrooms.

The main restaurant is upscale Chinese, showcasing the cuisines of seven different regions; secondary restaurants include a Northern Italian option and a “flexitarian” vegetables-and-seafood choice. The spa is as impressive as you’d expect it to be, and the fitness center is up to the highest standard — and here, as anywhere, the Ritz-Carlton is perhaps best known as a destination for a fine afternoon tea.

How to get there:

From Beijing Capital International Airport , 35 km - approximately 40 mins.

Please contact customerservice@tablethotels.com to arrange airport transfers.

The Mansion on Forsyth Park : Savannah, GA, USA

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 05:01:22 GMT

Quite a lot of the appeal of the American South lies in its attachment to history and tradition. But there’s room for a little creativity. While other Southern mansion hotels feel dry and airless, preserved in amber, the Mansion on Forsyth Park, in Savannah, Georgia, is a fantasy — behind the walls of this very authentic 19th-century Victorian mansion is a boutique hotel that’s more about contemporary Old South romance than it is about pure historical correctness.

There’s a thread of European sophistication about the place as well, and it’s practically overflowing with art from the owner’s private collection. The hundred-odd rooms are located not in the original house, but in an addition next door, one that adheres remarkably closely to the style of the red-brick mansion. As a result they’re spacious, and laid out like modern luxury boutique hotel rooms, oversized baths and all.

The slightly overstated opulence of the décor makes these bedrooms a good deal more seductive than you’d expect from a proper Southern mansion, and the same goes for the public spaces — from the spa to the pool deck to the 700 Drayton restaurant and especially Casimir’s, the rooftop lounge with a view of the picturesque Forsyth Park.

Titilaka : Puno, Peru

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 05:01:08 GMT

Split between Peru and Bolivia, the magnificent Lake Titicaca, considered by Incas to be the sacred birthplace of human civilization, is one of the largest, deepest, and highest bodies of water on the globe. Backpackers have long made the pilgrimage to the water’s edge; this, by contrast, is a high-end luxury boutique hotel that’s set to bring a whole new audience to these shores.

Despite the uncluttered design and contemporary amenities — heated floors, iPod docks, black-out curtains, and wireless internet — Titilaka isn’t a generic five-star. The simple structure, standing solitary on the grassy edge of the lake, is a forward-looking and eco-friendly hotel, with 18 plush suites decorated in earthy hues. The high-end linens, handcrafted bath products, and oversized tubs are pleasant, to be sure, but the real attraction is the jaw-dropping view of the deep blue water through the huge picture windows. It’s fitting, as nearly every activity at Titilaka centers around the lake — cocktail hour on the waterfront terrace, kayak excursions, gourmet dinners of freshly caught trout.

It’s worth noting that the indulgent service is half the fun: a private tour guide and driver meet guests at the airport, escorting you by Land Rover and speedboat to the secluded hotel. The star treatment continues during your stay, with personalized options ranging from breakfast in bed to customized archaeological tours of the region. It’s lavishly equipped, it’s contemporary, but at its heart, Titilaka is appealing in a down-to-earth way that’s faithful to its natural environment.

How to get there:

From the Juliaca airport or Puno Train Station, a Land Rover or similar transports guests for an hour and a half to a picturesque wharf, bypassing the congestion of Puno. The half hour approach via private speedboat is completely serene, a fitting beginning for an authentic Titicaca experience. Titilaka can also be reached in about five hours by car or train from Cusco, and six hours by car from Arequipa. It is also possible to arrive at Titilaka via Bolivia.

Please contact customerservice@tablethotels.com to arrange airport transfers.

Moonrise Hotel : St. Louis, MO, USA

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 05:00:11 GMT

One of the items on our global wish list is that every major city in America should have a hotel like this one. In a landscape dominated by cost-cutting chain hotels, there’s an advantage to be had by showing a little bit of personality, something that the Moonrise Hotel, in St. Louis, Missouri, has got in spades.

For a good start, it’s located in what’s probably the best neighborhood in town, the Loop. This is St. Louis’s nightlife and dining district, and it’s a much better spot for a mid-rise rooftop bar like the Moonrise’s than the city’s oversized downtown. Inside you’ll find it’s got a bit of a theme, and charmingly that theme is space. It lends itself to a bit of curvaceous mid-century modernism, and at the Moonrise, modernist design is fun again, rather than painfully fashionable. Suites pay homage to the city’s famous residents, and the rooms come with all the necessities, from plasma TVs to stylish modern bathrooms.

Fun is probably what separates the Moonrise, and other Midwestern boutique hotels, from their cousins on the coasts. Here you can’t help feeling that the style is meant to be inclusive, not exclusive, curiosity-provoking rather than alienating, right down to the little revolving replica moon atop the hotel’s roof.

The Dupont Hotel : Washington, DC, USA

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 05:00:09 GMT

In a town as traditional as Washington, a little bit of modern design goes a long way. The newly redesigned Dupont Hotel is, in its subtly stylish way, one of the hippest hotels in the nation’s capital. It’s the only hotel on Dupont Circle, in a neighborhood better known for dining, nightlife and entertainment than for monuments or institutions — which, provided you’re not here with your high school history class, is definitely a good thing.

That’s not to say it’s isolated. It’s surrounded by embassies, and it’s a safe bet that quite a few of its guests are international travelers. As such they probably feel more or less at home in the Dupont’s contemporary, urbane interiors. Rooms lack for no comfort, and they’re not just stylish but functional as well, with full-sized work desks and Eames Management chairs. And there’s an ultra-high-end hotel within the hotel: Level Nine is a floor of enormous, lavish suites, served by its own private elevator.

The neighborhood certainly isn’t short on restaurants, bars and cafés, but the Dupont offers its own very worthy options: there’s a modern French restaurant, a nod to D.C.’s Francophile roots, with a swanky cocktail bar attached. Proof positive that this town is loosening up.

Kempinski Hotel Taschenbergpalais : Dresden, Germany

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 05:00:03 GMT

If you know your local history then you’ll know why a reconstruction of an 18th-century Baroque palace is just as big a point of local pride as an authentic, unreconstructed 18th-century Baroque palace. Either way, today the Taschenbergpalais is Dresden’s top luxury hotel, with the Kempinski flag flying over its 200-odd rooms and suites.

It’s the perfect location for something like this, in the heart of Dresden’s historic city center, surrounded by sights including the opera house and the Zwinger palace. And while the exterior’s reconstruction was painstaking in its historical correctness, the interiors, by the Swedish firm Living Design, are actually somewhat contemporary. Additionally the rooms benefit from some of the advantages of modern building: they lack for none of the modern comforts, including underfloor heating in the marble bathrooms, a healthy complement of high-tech gadgetry and plenty of space to stretch out.

Completing the package are a couple of fine restaurants, a completely modern spa and wellness center, and all the meeting space you could possibly need. It’s perhaps an exaggeration to say it’ll have you feeling like 19th-century aristocracy, but not much of one — there’s definitely something to be said for occupying a room at a city’s most prestigious address.

The Nines : Portland, OR, USA

Sun, 01 Nov 2009 04:00:17 GMT

Portland may be better known for its homespun, folksy charm, its artisanal espresso and one-speed bicycles — but with The Nines, there’s finally a chic luxury option. The name is no accident: “dressed to the nines” isn’t a phrase you hear often enough around Oregon, but it certainly applies here.

The location is classic city-luxe, not some rehabbed warehouse space, but atop a historic building overlooking Portland’s surprisingly elegant downtown square. And if your business isn’t right on Pioneer Square, you’ll find Portland a compact and easily navigated city — you can easily get from baggage claim to the hotel via light rail in under an hour.

With over three hundred rooms it isn’t small, but the rooms have personality, classic meeting modern in brilliant colors. All the luxury trappings are included, from electronics to down duvets to rain showers, and the service is professional — this is a Starwood Luxury Collection property, which should help high-maintenance guests sleep a little easier.

So the standard features are all in place, including a 24-hour gym and a fine restaurant, Urban Farmer, a steakhouse with an upscale take on rustic Oregonian produce in an exceedingly well-dressed environment. Better still is the library, featuring cocktails and billiards in a cozy, clubby space, furnished with thousands of books from Powell’s, the West Coast’s last, biggest and greatest independent bookshop.

Hotel Missoni Edinburgh : Edinburgh, Scotland, UK

Sun, 01 Nov 2009 04:00:05 GMT

We’ve seen fashion hotels before. In some ways the parallel between fashion design and hotel design seems apt — if an outfit is a temporary personality, then a hotel is a temporary lifestyle, and there’s an element of fantasy to both. If there’s anything really unusual about the Hotel Missoni, it’s probably the location, in Edinburgh. But just as you never know when you might need, say, a tweed jacket, you never know when you might find yourself in need of a bit of modern style in the Scottish capital.

The building is certainly a bit of a fashion statement, a daring modern work by the Milanese architect Matteo Thun, which can’t help but stand out against the backdrop of the Royal Mile, some of whose buildings date back seven or eight centuries. Inside it’s no less bold: bright colors and eye-popping prints will quickly purge the very idea of tartan from your mind.

As in the best fashion hotels the Missoni is exceedingly comfortable, but stops just short of outright pampering. This is a hotel for people with places to go and things to do. There’s still plenty of time for a bit of Italian style in the Cucina & Bar — café by day, cocktail bar by night. And if you think Edinburgh is a bit of a curveball, the next Missoni Hotel is already set to open — in Kuwait City.

Lanson Place : Hong Kong, Hong Kong

Sat, 31 Oct 2009 04:00:05 GMT

You can’t really get any closer to the middle of it all, at least in Hong Kong, than Causeway Bay — rents in this teeming commercial district rival those on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan, and the shops, bars and restaurants are tightly packed. Best, then, to escape to a hotel that’s a bit more private than the typical vast, crowded chain hotel. Which, naturally, is where the Lanson Place comes in.

Lanson Place strikes a balance just about midway between the typical boutique (difficult furniture, hip lobby bar, much architectural grandstanding) and the buttoned-up business hotel (do we really have to describe it?). Behind a classic facade it’s pared-down and modernist, in stylish whites and neutrals, but packed with practicalities from wi-fi access and work desks to generously equipped kitchenettes. It’s perhaps too conservative for scene-makers, and probably a bit edgy for real old-guard salarymen; for anyone else, however, it’ll more than do.

In this neighborhood, after all, shutting yourself in a five-star cocoon would be missing out. Thoughtful though they may be, it’s hard to imagine those kitchenettes seeing much use — in Causeway Bay an almost dizzying selection of restaurants is never more than a minute or two away.

The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort : Kiawah Island, SC, USA

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 04:00:05 GMT

Three cheers for stylistically sensitive development. A brand-new American golf resort too often means a bland and faceless building full of identical L-shaped bedrooms, but the Sanctuary at Kiawah Island just isn’t that sort of place. Instead imagine a resort with all the comforts and luxuries of a modern five-star hotel, but with an architectural style transplanted from the antebellum mansions of old South Carolina.

Of course with 255 rooms and suites this is no plantation house. But big resorts have advantages that smaller hotels often can’t match, especially in facilities. Not many boutique operations can operate a full-service spa, much less a tennis clinic, a 65-foot swimming pool, or five (five!) golf courses designed by the likes of Jack Nicklaus and Pete Dye.

Even the activity-agnostic will find plenty to like about the Sanctuary, not least the ten miles of Atlantic beachfront. Most of the rooms and suites face the sea, and they’re quite worthy of holing up in — beds are plush, the décor is soothing, and the bathrooms are so lavishly outfitted you might entirely forget about the spa. A generous handful of restaurants and bars completes the package, and this place is a natural wedding venue, with gorgeous outdoor spaces and no end of function rooms.