An unexpected Hotel experience

Dexamenes Seaside Hotel is located on one of the most unspoilt coastlines of the Western Peloponnese, on Kourouta Beach. The former winery, located directly on the sea front, consists of wine tanks, which have been minimally restored to retain their original industrial appearance, and are laid out in two parallel rows of concrete blocks with an extension in steel frame construction.

The renowned Athens architecture firm k-studio was commissioned to redesign the former wine factory. From the outset it was clear that the strong history and raw beauty of the existing buildings should not only be preserved, but be showcased in a design that would breathe new life into their walls. The new design compliments their brutality with elegant interventions and transform their austere functionality into a place of calm, comfort and relaxation. A complimentary palette of concrete, steel, timber and engineered glass ensures that new construction elements tread lightly, leaving the existing buildings relatively untouched and retaining their strong presence.

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34 industrial chic suites in converted former wine tanks dating back to the 1920s are available for design-loving guests to enjoy an exceptional stay from April to October. Many of them have a wide covered terrace overlooking the Ionian Sea. The patina of exposed interior concrete walls contrasts with engineered glass partitions and polished terrazzo floors while elements of timber add dashes of warmth in a nod to the area’s nautical history. Dexamenes is an architectural slice of Greek trading history on the mainland’s western Peloponnese coast.

In addition to its architectural roots, the luxury resort also focuses on regional culture and local experiences. Considering that the Peloponnese peninsula has more vineyards and grape varieties than any other region in Greece, it is not surprising that local specialities and viticulture play an essential role at Dexamenes Seaside Hotel. The kitchen prepares a variety of choices from breakfast to dinner that vary from degustation menus to hyperlocal meals with traditional references, putting in high priority the dietary preferences of each guest. In addition to the hotel’s open kitchen laboratory, where cooking courses and wine tastings are offered, guest can indulge in Greek cuisine at the taverna or enjoy a drink at the beachfront bar-lounge. The boutique “Bakaliko” with local products and delicacies also embodies the regional culture of Greece. You can find peace and relaxation in an ex wine Silo Tank converted into a contemporary sanctuary where therapies such as yoga, sound healing and massage treatments take place.

Best Room – Beachfront WineTank Suites

Stay in a former wine tank that is now almost monastic in its pared down design, letting you unwind to views of the sea. A comfortable 30sqm room of carefully organized and beautifully detailed space, designed to sit within the exposed concrete walls of the tank without inhibiting their unique texture and patina. Each room features a Cocomat double bed adjacent to a single bed that can also act as a sofa, an open wardrobe and storage area and a bathroom separated by a wall of textured glass that allows light from the window to reach the back of the tank. A huge double sink and separated WC bring a sense of luxurious comfort to the minimal, pared down interior.

At the lakeside

The Alpenhotel Kitzbühel is situated in a unique location directly on the shore of Lake Schwarzsee near Kitzbühel with a fantastic view of the surrounding mountains and the Wilder Kaiser. With its own access to the lake and located in a nature reserve, guests can enjoy the international flair of the world-famous skiing resort and the beauty of the surrounding nature at the same time.

After intensive new construction, the Alpenhotel Kitzbühel welcomes its guests with all the comforts and amenities that make for unforgettable holiday moments. The architecture of the newly built rooms is a successful combination of typical Alpine Tyrolean characteristics and a modern lifestyle touch. Natural materials, exclusive textiles and fine local woods create a feel-good atmosphere. In addition, there are unique suites in the two annexes, the Das Steghaus, located directly on the jetty of the Schwarzsee, and the Lakeside Lodges, some with their own garden and access to the lake. 

There are five elegantly and cosily furnished suites on the 1st and 2nd floors of the Steghaus. From their terraces, you have the feeling that you are not only on Lake Schwarzsee, but directly in it. The perfect interplay of modern architecture and cosy atmosphere ensures a very special kind of luxury. Here, lingering is taken to a new level. In the Lakeside Lodges, the two-storey panoramic window fronts with spacious lounge areas allow you to experience the soothingly beautiful view of Lake Schwarzsee and the adjacent flora and fauna even more intensely and clearly. The extremely high-quality yet simple interior design additionally emphasises the idyllic view that makes these suites so unique.  The relaxation area of the hotel with sauna and steam bath makes for a cosy retreat after a long day of skiing. Enjoy the spa oasis on 1,000 sqm with Infinity Pool and the sauna directly at the jetty.

Pure indulgence in a prime location

Regional specialities and pure culinary delights can be experienced in the hotel’s own restaurant and in the new à la carte restaurant Das Steghaus with sun terrace directly on Schwarzsee. In addition to the daily specials, seasonal delicacies with a unique fresh touch are recommended. The stylish ambience – in warm bronze tones – is equally inspiring indoors and outdoors. Not only because of the spacious outdoor areas, but also because of the year-round lounge area directly on the water.

Best Room – Lakeside Lodges

The suites of the new Lakeside Lodges leave nothing to be desired. The noble materials and generous glass fronts with a fantastic view of the Schwarzsee guarantee pure well-being. All suites are equipped with their own panorama saunas. The spacious balconies and terraces with garden are the ideal place to enjoy the view of the Schwarzsee and the magnificent Kitzbühel mountains.

Embracing the natural surrounding

Overlooking the protected sand dunes, the Atlantic Ocean and its surrounding beaches the five-star design hotel The Oitavos is located at the westernmost point of the Portuguese coastline. A mere 25 minutes from Lisbon and close to the fishing village of Cascais the family owned and run hotel lies in the Sintra National Park, a UNESCO World heritage site. The building is a sparkling steel and glass construction with floor-to-ceiling windows that seeks to embrace the beautiful natural surrounding rather than compete with it. Renowned Portuguese architect José Amaral Anahory has designed this bold design statement.

The hotel has a total of 143 rooms, all of them very spacious with at least 64 m² and private balconies with either a view of the sunrise or the sunset. The interior is minimalistic and elegant with white painted steel, white furniture and walls in calming, soft marine blue. Paintings by contemporary Portuguese artists give each room a different artistic touch.

The Spa & Wellness area offers amazing views of the unspoiled landscape and come with an abundance of natural light. Guests can enjoy the sea-water-swimming pool, a sauna, a Turkish bath and a Jacuzzi as well as Yoga, Pilates and meditation classes. Spa treatments are delivered in one of 10 treatment rooms. The estate on which the hotel has been built also encompasses the largest equestrian centre in Portugal, a health and sports club and the Oitavos Dunes golf course, ranked among the Top 100 Courses in the World.

Star chef Cyril Devilliers is responsible for the culinary concept at The Oitavos. Guests can choose between four restaurants that offer a modern interpretation on Portuguese and International cuisine. Ipsylon Restaurant & Bar is influenced by the Atlantic Coast and surprises with a thoughtful combination of traditional Portuguese and French cuisine. The Japanese Bar is known for its fine selection of sushi and sashimi prepared right in front of the guests. Terraco Bar is an open-air poolside restaurant with light meals and tasty tapas. Verbasco at the Clubhouse of the Oitavos Dunes golf course with amazing views of the Atlantic Ocean concentrates on regional and world cuisine.

Best Room – The Oitavos Premium Corner Lofts

The Premium Corner Lofts are special because they offer views of both sunrise and sunset from the balconies. The spacious lofts are flooded with natural light and allow uninterrupted ocean views.

Let’s Laurich

Laurichhof is located in Pirna, at the gateway to Saxon Switzerland, just 30 minutes from Dresden and 90 minutes from Prague. The design hotel is as versatile as its guests, as inspiring as a showroom and as homely as the most beautiful home you have ever seen. In 27 different, luxuriously furnished suites, which are equipped with designer pieces ranging from the tiles, the lamps to the reading chairs. Guest are taken into fascinating dream worlds. The range of styles extends from classic over romantic to modern.

The successful interior designer Annette Katrin Seidel, her husband and architect Uwe Seidel and their son and architecture student Philip Seidel, are the creative minds behind the family-run hotel. The passionate hosts want their guests to be introduced to the inspiring world of interior design, where they can try out and experience the extraordinary furniture and furnishings of renowned designers during their holidays. After their stay all pieces of furniture can be purchased and complete design concepts can be taken home.

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In the wellness area grasses, ferns and moss grow from the ceiling and guests can enjoy physiotherapy sessions, massages or the sauna. The restaurant Lazy Laurich also offers plenty of pleasure and should be enjoyed to the fullest: The chef spoils guests with regional and seasonal dishes, refined with exotic nuances from distant countries. The suites, equipped with high-quality kitchens, can also be used as self-catering holiday apartments.

Laurichhof is one of the 2021 winners of the German Design Award in the category “Interior Architecture”. The German Design Award honors innovative products and projects, their manufacturers and designers, which are pioneering in the German and international design landscape. The Laurichhof operators’ idea is as inspiring as it is consistent and coherently implemented in their hotel down to the last detail, writes the jury in its statement.

Best Room – 27 individual suites

27 individually designed suites, for every lifestyle and furnishing taste: At the Laurichhof the different suites tell sophisticated stories. The cinematic staging of high-quality furnishings and designer furniture in the suites is intended to surprise, inspire and transport guests into functional fantasy worlds. Rooms were defined down to the smallest detail, from the tap to the socket.

Modern maritime lifestyle by the sea

Here, lifestyle meets warmth; wood, light sand tones and fresh ocean colours give the SeeHuus its individual modern maritime flair. The hotel on the Timmendorfer beach/Niendorf is beguiling with its high-quality furnishings and gorgeous location by the sea. Guests are offered a selection of two restaurants, a conference room, an underground carpark, a lavish lobby with bar and a large outdoor terrace overlooking the sea.

All 67 rooms and 7 suites are equipped with balconies – sea view is optional – as well as comfortable seating and a Rainshower. The hotel wellness area comes equipped with a pool, massages and beauty treatments, a fitness studio, steam bath, Finnish sauna, sanarium and relaxation room. The many golf courses nearby provide an alternative to wellness and relaxation. A day of sightseeing at the nearby Hanseatic City of Lübeck can embrace the luxury of browsing the shops of individual character.

Best Room – Junior Suite Seaside

The beautifully furnished, 42 sqm Junior Suite Seaside at SeeHuus is the pinnacle of comfort. The spacious room comes with a modern rainshower and bathtub, a flat screen TV, an iPod docking station, mini bar and even more amenities. A comfortable seating area invites guests to relax and a breathtaking view of the Baltic Sea awaits them on the balcony.

ART HOTEL IN THE “CITY OF DESIGN”

Art lovers tend to display an uncompromising dedication to individualism and the pursuit of a vision. The Augarten Art Hotel designed by star architect Günther Domenig is as surprising as it is unusual. Contemporary art, furniture by A. Thaler and unique designer pieces by more than 200 artists await its guests. The design hotel boasts more than 51 rooms all furnished with high quality works of art, 5 spacious and fully furnished apartments, as well as a new penthouse built in 2011. Among the special features of this modern business hotel are the Business Corner and the 24-hour spa with a heated indoor pool, sauna, gym and relaxation area. At the same time, the Augarten Art Hotel boasts a summer terrace with stunning views over the rooftops of Graz all the way to the Schlossberg.

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BEST ROOM – Penthouse 601 Augarten Art Hotel

Penthouse 601 offers an indescribably beautiful, light-flooded 80 sqm apartment above the rooftops of Graz. Elegant interiors and contemporary art stand at eye level with the clock tower – the symbol of Graz.

NATURAL THERMAL WATERS IN THE SOUTHERN PART OF MALLORCA

The Font Santa Hotel Thermal Spa & Wellness, next to the village of Campos, is located in the southern part of Mallorca. It is much more than just an exclusive hotel in that it has the only natural thermal waters in the Balearic Islands, making the Font Santa an oasis of wellbeing. Most of the 25 stylish rooms of the adult-only hotel offer a private terrace with a stunning view over the Es Trenc conservation area. Discover exclusive and healthy gastronomic innovations in a secluded spot or on the communal terrace in the hotel’s own restaurant. Pamper yourself with a spa treatment or improve your game at the nearby Maioris Golf Club.

BEST ROOM – Terrace Suite Font Santa Hotel Thermal Spa & Wellness

Elegance, charming interior and the vaulted ceiling in the bedroom make the 60m² Terrace Suite your home-away-from-home. Enjoy the spectacular sunset over the nature reserve from the 22m² terrace.

FOR THOSE TRAVELING IN SEARCH OF TRANQUILITY

The Hotel Can Simoneta is situated on the north-eastern cost of Mallorca, only 2 Minutes from the village Canyamel and the beach. Its privileged location on a cliff offers an amazing sea view and makes it an ideal location for those traveling in search of tranquillity. Each room in the Can Simoneta is individually and exclusively furnished. The restaurant with terrace offers a magnificent view over the bay of Canyamel. Enjoy the spa services, the sauna, the Turkish bath and the outdoor pool. Golf course and tennis court are just minutes away.

BEST ROOM – Gran Suite Neptuno Hotel Can Simoneta

The Gran Suite Neptuno is a little cottage with a private swimming pool, private terraces and private garden, directly facing the sea. It‘s one of a kind!

Alpine pleasure

The ALFA hotel redefines modern, Alpine flair – it is contemporary yet timeless. The hotel offers a symbiosis of architecture and 21st century lifestyle. The rooms of the gourmet and design hotel set themselves apart with clear, linear structures and natural materials. The use of light and colours gives the hotel a modern ambience. Regardless of whether you come in for breakfast, an afternoon snack or a five-course gourmet dinner, you will be treated to culinary excellence in the hotel’s restaurant, which features a cool atmosphere. The incontro hotel bar boasts a connected sun terrace and invites guests to linger and spend time together. The wellness area offers a 7×7 metre indoor pool with a whirl bench, a bio sauna, a Finnish sauna, an infrared cabin, a steam bath, a brine steam bath and a solarium.

Best Room – Doppel superiore Zimmer

The hotel’s superiore double rooms not only offer you an extremely central location in Serfaus, but will also make you feel like you’re on top of the world! The panoramic view from the top floor will evoke that superior feeling . And you’ll experience it all in modern, open rooms featuring a light and airy design with 30 sqm of space.

Lifestyle for families

The Mia Alpina in the Zillertal valley perfectly combines family, wellness and lifestyle and is just the thing for families with children who are looking for a mix of style and child-friendly facilities. The hotel is made up of Junior Suites and spacious Family Suites, which feature a separate children’s room. Warm colours, plenty of wood and modern furniture ensure that the entire family will feel at home. Culinary delights are served from morning to evening all-inclusive: Austrian classics, modern international dishes and special meals for young gourmets. Two wellness areas await you: The “Woody’s” children’s swimming paradise with water slide on the ground floor and on top, on the 5th floor of the Mia Alpina, the PenthouseSPA for adults only, with thermal SKY pool and fantastic views of the mountains surrounding the Zillertal valley. The highest quality of service, cordiality and shared moments await you at the family-run 4-star superior hotel. An unforgettable family holiday.

Best Room – “105er” Family Suite

The 105 sqm Luxury Family Suite promises room for all those young and old. Children have their own room complete with bunk bed. In addition, the suite offers a living area with comfortable sitting area as well as a bathroom with bathtub and separate luxury shower. From the balcony you can enjoy the stunning view into the valley or of the Tyrolean mountains.