Exploring Design-Centric Stays: The Art of Hospitality
Explore our curated selection of diverse stays worldwide, from quiet mid-century villas to city escapes, perfect for travelers unwilling to compromise on design, whether it's for a week-long retreat or a weekend getaway.
Nestled near Biarritz in the south of France, this villa once stood as a neglected mansion but has blossomed into a welcoming guesthouse with a family atmosphere. Anne and Jérôme Israel, the couple behind this meticulous restoration, preserved the original Art Deco charm and bones, crafted between 1927 and 1931 transforming a neglected beauty to a rich lived-in space.
Despite its grandeur, the villa has so much warmth and feels intimate, where sharing breakfast in a large wooden table with the company of a donkey would simply fix me. With just 6 rooms to choose from and rates starting at 400€ a night, Magnan, beyond accommodation, opens its doors to host private events and weddings.
Situated in the vibrant community of Dakar, Senegal, you'll find the ASAO Guest House — a sanctuary offering color therapy on the Gorée Island. Founder Ondine Saglio mirrored the vibrancy of the people into the interior, with pops of color adorning every corner. All seven bedrooms offer simplicity and individuality, with rates starting from 32-78€ per night, ranging from cozy to spacious, featuring everything from green polka dot walls to rustic brick facades.
The garden showcases exhibitions of paintings and sculptures, celebrating local artistry. Beyond supporting talented artists, ASAO contributes to responsible tourism and local development, donating a significant portion of their profits to the children's home, Keur Khadija. Connecting solidarity, culture, art, and taste, couldn’t be a better package deal.
On the other side of the spectrum, a 5-star getaway, Vermelho hotel — Christian Louboutin's Bold Venture into Hospitality. After living a decade of hot summers in his famous house in Comporta, Portugal, some might argue that he popularized Alentejo, which has become a sought-after destination in recent years. Now, Vermelho, solidifies his influence in shaping the perception of the region, enrinching tourism in Portugal and romanticizing ‘a vida no interior’.
With a very traditional Portuguese architecture, you’d think it’s a renovated quinta. Surprisingly, it's a new-build, seamlessly integrated in the costal town of Melides, with the help of the architect Madalena Caiado. The hand-painted walls, Portuguese tiles, and Iberian design elements scream history, special details, call for special occasions. Here, a night to splurge and live la vie en rouge starts at 333€
In the bustling streets of Paris, the concept of a pied-à-terre finds new meaning at the Pied A Terre Hotel. A retreat for those seeking a temporary escape in the City of Lights, this boutique hotel is intended for short visits, but the design choices in each room might make you extend your stay. The bold red bedroom, stainless steel accents, minimalist kitchen, and iconic glass block dividers create the perfect '80s feel, designed by the renowned Parisian studio, Necchi Architecture.
If savoring an overpriced croissant at a local café or strolling along the Seine in the first week of November sounds right, this experience can be yours for around 390€ per night.
Situated in the tranquil Andalusian hills, Trasierra is a restored 16th-century house, where you’ll find peace, privacy, and timeless beauty, just an hour away from the city of Seville, Spain. Originally discovered in decay back in 1978, it has been revived over four decades by the interior designer, Charlotte Scott.
Trasierra, offers 12 bedrooms spread across the property, from rooms in the main house to charming cottages. To escape the heat Sevillano, you have a large swimming pool surrounded by a courtyard overlooking three thousand acres of olive and orange groves. No wonder that this quiet luxury has attracted guests like Princess Diana and Kate Moss, who represent the old money blue print.
Another Hilltop retreat, but this time with the tropical Carioca heat. Located in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, this villa has a prime secluded location with the perfect balance, nestled in the protected forest of Santa Teresa in between the city's center and the sun-kissed beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema. Designed by the visionary architect Wladimir Alves de Souza in the 70’s, Chez George stands as urban heritage of the city and a testament to Brutalism design and Brazilian craftsmanship.
Pierre Moldeva, an entrepreneur in tech, and Olivier Verwilghen, a musician and sportsman, seized the chance of turning a place they loved spending time in, into a hospitality project, where others would also enjoy spending time in. Rooted in their love for music, the Modernist villa features a built-in recording studio. Adding to its charm, each of its seven suites are named after iconic musicians like George Harrison and Seu Jorge. Beyond the to-die-for Midcentury design, the rooftop terraces gives you a breathtaking 360° view of lush greenery. You can experience Rio for around 260€ per night or rent the whole villa from 1500€ a day.
