Seven new additions join a growing portfolio of over 290 independent hotels in more than 50 countries across the globe, stamped with a firm focus on the exploration of a destination through flavors.
BERLIN – Design Hotels members are built on the foundation of creativity and a honed personal vision, whereby each property has its own unique tale to tell.
Tucked inside the historic center of the UNESCO Heritage village of Pienza, La Bandita Townhouse is a rambling palazzo set on a beautiful hill amid quiet cobblestone streets in Tuscany. Through a narrow street and a small tunnel sits Memmo Principe Real – home to a secret sightseeing spot with breathtaking views over the city and a gateway to one of the most attractive and charming neighborhoods in Lisbon. The result of a decade of careful architectural renovations, Dos Casas Hotel & Spa is set in the heart of San Miguel De Allende, a bustling UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site in Mexico. Creating a benchmark for casual luxury in Switzerland, Giardino Ascona is a haven committed to charismatic design, casual ambience, and recreational splendor. Behind a refurbished facade that recalls 1950s Palma, Nakar Hotel emerges as a serene retreat through light-soaked lounges, spa, and a spectacular rooftop infinity pool. Inspired by the surrounding sea and the volcanic nature of the Portuguese Azores Island of Sao Miguel, Azor hotel abounds with natural materials that serve to remind guests of the property’s remote location. In one of Taipei’s most cosmopolitan neighborhoods, Hotel Proverbs Taipei takes minimalistic design and pairs it with the utmost in personalized service while adding a dash of hedonism in the process.
La Bandita Townhouse – Pienza, Italy
La Bandita Townhouse, the brainchild of Original John Voigtmann, the onetime Vice President of International Marketing for Sony Music, was transformed from a dilapidated 500-year-old convent into a luxury 12-room boutique hotel. Guests can dine at the intimate Townhouse Caffe – set in the walled medieval garden – which serves classic Italian fare using local, seasonal ingredients. Dishes include: fresh burrata with gazpacho and wild herbs and basil oil; handmade pappardelle al ragu with duck a l’orange and slow cooked pork belly with fresh peaches and red chili.
Memmo Principe Real – Lisbon, Portugal
Perched on top of a hill overlooking stylish Lisbon, Memmo Principe Real is the first luxury boutique hotel set in what is now one of the city’s hottest neighborhoods. Located in the heart of the 41-room hotel Cafe Colonial is a celebration of the many global influences represented by Lusophone roots. Drawing its main influences from Portugal, Brazil, Africa, and Asia, the restaurant is a neighborhood fixture drawing in locals with fair-priced favorites, lively conversation, and a convivial spirit of community.
Dos Casas Hotel & Spa – San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
The result of a decade of careful architectural renovations, 12-room Dos Casas – set within two adjoining 18th-century colonial houses – offers cool vanguard design and warm traditionalism. Home to award winning restaurant Aperi, which is Latin for “open” and perfectly describes the vision and concept of head chef Matteo Salas. Offering a four-course tasting menu, the focus is to serve flavorful dishes made with simple, well-executed techniques.
Giardino Ascona – Ascona, Switzerland
Located in a spectacular sunny bay of Lake Maggiore, along a tranquil parkland, Giardino Ascona, and its 54 rooms and 18 suites, is awash with Mediterranean joie de vivre. This peaceful venue is deliciously augmented by a two-star Michelin restaurant headed by the masterful executive chef Rolf Fliegauf and second eatery, Ristorante Aphrodite, which boasts 15 Gault Millau points and serves Mediterranean cuisine with a modern twist.
Azor – Sao Miguel, Azores
The structure that houses Azor hotel is a specimen of modern architecture with an imposing cuboid form, an exterior of white stone, and expansive windows of polished glass. The 123-room hotel plays host to a lobby market offering up regional delicacies including cheeses, cured ham, and tapas. For those with a sweet tooth, homemade ice cream and Portuguese cakes are served alongside fruit and Azorean yoghurt. At A Terra restaurant, guests can also enjoy delicious homemade cuisine fit for sharing.
Nakar Hotel – Palma de Mallorca, Mallorca
Nakar Hotel is Mallorcan through-and-through. Not only do the architect, interior designer, owner, and chef all hail from the island, but the 57-room hotel is fashioned from local materials; serves guests an authentic Mallorcan cuisine; and offers impressive views of the Old Town and the sea. Those views can be enjoyed from the eighth-floor CUIT Bar and Restaurant where guests can dine on Mediterranean-inspired dishes cooked by celebrated local chef Miquel Calent.
Hotel Proverbs Taipei – Taipei, Taiwan
In one of Taipei’s most cosmopolitan neighborhoods, Hotel Proverbs Taipei takes minimalistic design and pairs it with the utmost in personalized service. The postmodern TK Seafood & Steak restaurant employs a harbor-to-aquarium-to-plate philosophy, and the cocktail bar is led by prize-winning mixologists. While the L’Idiot Bakery tempts guests with freshly baked breads, pastries, and cakes, the butler services mean that one need not lift a finger to enjoy what’s on offer.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
