Exploring dream destinations worldwide reveals that luxury properties, with their bold and imaginative designs, offer more than mere accommodations—they are travel experiences in themselves. These stunning locales, set against the backdrop of scenic landscapes, are imbued with scene-setting details that include clever color palettes, artisanal textures, historic architecture, and bespoke furniture. By embodying the essence of their environments, these properties inspire creativity and offer an unparalleled sense of place, making them the perfect getaway for design enthusiasts.
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Architect: Mickey Muennig
Location: Big Sur, California
Designer: Celerie Kemble
Stylist: Andrea Gelardin
Development: Left Lane Development
In Savannah, Georgia, Hotel Bardo breathes new life into a historic mansion with shades of peachy pink and earthy green. Its ‘riot clash’ aesthetic blends the traditional with the contemporary, led by design executives who emphasize maximalist flair. The hotel features unique elements like original chandeliers and floors, adding a touch of opulence to its decor. Guests are invited to explore the stylish alcoves of Club Bardo, where the design ethos is brought to life in a contemporary yet nostalgic setting.
Further south in the Dominican Republic, the Playa Grande Beach Club offers visitors a fusion of Palm Beach charm with the lush tranquility of a tropical jungle setting. This collection of pastel-hued bungalows, designed by Celerie Kemble, features beautiful antiques and accents such as light fixtures crafted from dried fruits. The bar, lined with pressed seashells, serves as a testament to the designer’s belief that every beach house is enhanced by the intricate presence of shells, blending seamlessly with the natural environment.
Across the Atlantic in London, the Broadwick Soho transports guests to an eccentric world filled with vibrant print pairings and riotous hues. The hotel’s interiors, crafted by Martin Brudnizki, are reminiscent of an extravagant townhouse where each suite showcases Indian brass elephant minibars handcrafted by Jaipur artisans. This playful yet culturally-rich design invites guests to wander through a space that celebrates flamboyance and whimsy, setting a new standard in luxury hospitality.
In Santa Monica, California, the 1930s-era Georgian Hotel has been reimagined by the design studio Fettle, drawing inspiration from Havana’s Art Deco movement. Staying true to its roots, the redesign incorporates elements of vibrant blues and deep reds, resulting in a space that is both subtle and playful. The first-floor bar, featuring blue marble bands and a gray-and-white tile motif, stands as the hotel’s pièce de résistance, offering guests a taste of vintage glamour fused with modern elegance.
Perched on the cliffs of Big Sur, California, the Post Ranch Inn is a testament to the organic architecture movement, blurring the lines between indoors and outdoors. Designed by Mickey Muennig, this property prioritizes material-driven color palettes that blend seamlessly with the natural landscape. With accommodations ranging from treehouses nestled amongst giant oaks and redwoods to oceanfront houses with living roofs made of grass and wildflowers, every aspect of the Inn complements its dramatic surroundings, embracing nature’s majesty.
In Vermont, Portugal, the Vermelho Hotel is a celebration of designer Christian Louboutin’s iconic taste and regional craftsmanship. With a striking blue facade by artist Giuseppe Ducrot, the hotel boasts varied interior highlights like intricate woodwork and tiling, reflecting Portugal’s rich cultural heritage. Louboutin’s maximalist aesthetic is evident throughout, as guests are encouraged to discover new and exciting details with each visit, ensuring a dynamic and ever-evolving experience.
Each of these remarkable properties captures the imagination, cementing their roles as unique travel experiences. They blend design, culture, and nature in innovative ways to showcase the beauty and potential of luxury accommodations as conduits for artistic expression and personal exploration. Whether perched on a cliffside or tucked into a lush jungle, these properties invite the ultimate escape, promising visits filled with creativity, wonder, and inspiration.
