Rooms with a Sense of Place
Shangri-La Paris | Paris, France
If walls could talk, L’Appartement Prince Bonaparte would spill secrets of Parisian aristocracy. A shining example of hyper-local design, this former residence of Napoleon’s grandnephew at Shangri-La Paris is a love letter to French grandeur. Every detail is a nod to its royal past—from Versailles-style parquet floors and five-meter-high gilded ceilings to the opulent blue-and-gold bedroom crowned with a crystal chandelier. The Directoire-style decor stays true to its 19th-century roots, with hand-draped fabric headboards and velvet curtains tied back with handmade tassels. Even the balconies play their part, offering a quintessentially Parisian view of Avenue d’Iéna and the Guimet Museum.
Rooms with a Sense of Place
Raffles London at The OWO | London, United Kingdom
If ever a suite embodied hyper-local design, it’s the Granville Suite at Raffles London at The OWO. Named after Churchill’s favorite spy, this one-bedroom stunner channels old-world British grandeur with rich wood paneling, ornate plasterwork and antique fireplaces. Towering oak casement windows flood the space with moody London light, while the bathroom—opulent and oversized—feels like it was made for royalty. Designer Thierry Despont’s touch ensures every detail whispers history while embracing modern indulgence. Set within the storied walls of the Old War Office, this suite isn’t just a place to stay—it’s a time capsule of intrigue, elegance and undeniable British charm.
Rooms with a Sense of Place
Zannier Bai San Ho, Vietnam | Song Cau Town, Vietnam
At Zannier Bãi San Hô, hyper-local design isn’t just a concept—it’s in its DNA. Tucked away in Vietnam’s untouched Phu Yen province, this dreamy retreat channels the country’s architectural heritage across 73 villas, each seamlessly blending into the landscape. Stay in a stilted Paddy Fields Villa, inspired by traditional rice farmers’ homes, or embrace Cham culture in a Beach Pool Villa just steps from the sand. Up in the hills, Grand Bau Pool Villas nod to the Eden tribes, with thatched roofs and earthy textures. Natural materials, handcrafted furnishings and open-air layouts make each villa feel like a portal to Vietnam’s soul, where tradition and nature intertwine with modern indulgence in perfect harmony.
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The article’s cover shot features the Hill Pool Villa at Zannier Bãi San Hô.
Rooms with a Sense of Place
Bishop’s Lodge | Santa Fe, New Mexico
The spirit of the Southwest is woven into every adobe wall, hand-carved beam and woven textile at Bishop’s Lodge. Hyper-local design shines in all the details, honoring Santa Fe’s rich artistic and cultural heritage. Set in the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, this historic ranch-turned-luxury retreat blends rustic charm with refined comfort. Rooms and casitas feature Indigenous textiles, adobe fireplaces and locally crafted furnishings, while the Bunkhouse, a sprawling 12-room escape, channels the warmth of a high-desert hacienda. Outside, piñon and aspen trees line endless trails, offering a scenic backdrop for stargazing, beekeeping, and botanical harvesting. Whether fireside with a glass of local wine or beneath the vast New Mexico sky, every moment here is steeped in place.
Rooms with a Sense of Place
Monaci delle Terre Nere Etna Wine Resort | Zafferana Etnea, Italy
Volcanic soil, vineyard views and centuries of Sicilian history—hyper-local design runs deep at Monaci delle Terre Nere Etna Wine Resort. This restored 17th-century monastery on the slopes of Mount Etna seamlessly blends heritage with modern touches. Stone walls, exposed wooden beams and lava rock fireplaces ground each suite and villa in the region’s past, while contemporary Italian furnishings add plenty of glamour. Some rooms are carved from ancient farmhouses, others sit among the vines, but all honor the land—whether through repurposed millstones, locally crafted décor or sweeping views of the countryside. Sip Etna’s finest wines, bask in the Sicilian sun and settle into a space where history and design are in perfect harmony.
Rooms with a Sense of Place
Almanac X Alcron Prague | Prague, Czech Republic
Prague’s past and present intertwine at Almanac X Alcron Prague, where hyper-local design brings the city’s architectural splendor into every suite. A reimagined icon, this century-old hotel balances Old Town grandeur with a contemporary edge. Soothing neutral tones and sleek designer furnishings set the stage, while curated local art and Czech-made touches ground the space in its storied surroundings, just steps from Wenceslas Square. Downstairs, the legendary Alcron Restaurant has been a benchmark of Czech fine dining since 1932, famed for its impeccable service and culinary innovation. Today, Head Chef Richard Bielik carries on this legacy with a plant-forward menu and refined takes on traditional Czech cuisine, earning the restaurant a coveted spot in the Gault & Millau guide.
Rooms with a Sense of Place
Rancho Santana | Tola, Nicaragua
Where the jungle meets the Pacific, Rancho Santana unfolds across 2,700 acres of Nicaragua’s untouched Emerald Coast, offering a seamless blend of adventure and serenity. Every inch of this vast retreat is infused with hyper-local design, from handcrafted furnishings made in the on-site woodshop to the organic textures that mirror the landscape’s rugged beauty. Stay at The Inn & Residences, where private terraces frame sweeping ocean views, or retreat to a Pacific Suite post-surf. Five beaches, endless waves and winding trails invite exploration, while curated experiences—from horseback rides at sunset to bonfires beneath a star-streaked sky—immerse guests in the rhythm of this remote paradise.
Rooms with a Sense of Place
SO/ Uptown Dubai | Dubai, United Arab Emirates
A beacon of bold design and high-fashion glamour, SO/ Uptown Dubai rises above the city skyline, redefining luxury with a playful, avant-garde twist. Spanning 10 floors of the striking Uptown Tower, this style-forward hotel is a magnet for trendsetters. Inspired by Dubai’s bold contrasts—heritage and innovation, desert and skyline—the 188 rooms and statement suites shimmer with artistic flair. Opulent gold accents nod to the city’s gilded past and ultra-modern present, while indulgent marble bathrooms reflect the sleek architecture of Downtown Dubai. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame sweeping views, from the glittering towers of Jumeirah Beach to the endless dunes beyond, making this a front-row seat to the ever-evolving story of the city.
Rooms with a Sense of Place
The Bank Hotel Istanbul | Istanbul, Türkiye
Bridging past and present in Istanbul’s vibrant Karaköy district, The Bank Hotel is a masterful blend of neo-renaissance grandeur and hyper-local design. Housed in a former bank, this design-forward retreat reflects the neighborhood’s cultural transformation—from financial hub to a creative epicenter of art galleries, boutique cafés and stylish concept stores. Inside, 62 elegantly curated rooms—designed by Sinan Kafadar—preserve the building’s historic charm with parquet floors, original radiators and Carrara marble bathrooms, while modern comforts add effortless luxury. Up top, the rooftop restaurant serves up dazzling views of Istanbul’s historic peninsula, ensuring each stay is a feast for the senses.
Rooms with a Sense of Place
The Upper House | Hong Kong, China
A serene sanctuary high above Hong Kong, The Upper House is a masterclass in understated luxury, holistic well-being and hyper-local design. Conceived by architect Andre Fu, its 117 spacious rooms—including 21 suites and two penthouses—draw inspiration from the city’s vertical landscape, blending warm wood, natural stone and soft lighting for a tranquil retreat. Every detail reflects Hong Kong’s duality—serene yet energetic, modern yet steeped in tradition. Wellness is at the heart of the experience, with curated programs and collaborations with top wellness experts. Set against sweeping Victoria Harbour views, this boutique escape offers a peaceful contrast to the city’s pulse, while its intuitive service and discreet elegance make every stay feel like coming home.
1 /10
Shangri-La Paris | Paris, France
If walls could talk, L’Appartement Prince Bonaparte would spill secrets of Parisian aristocracy. A shining example of hyper-local design, this former residence of Napoleon’s grandnephew at Shangri-La Paris is a love letter to French grandeur. Every detail is a nod to its royal past—from Versailles-style parquet floors and five-meter-high gilded ceilings to the opulent blue-and-gold bedroom crowned with a crystal chandelier. The Directoire-style decor stays true to its 19th-century roots, with hand-draped fabric headboards and velvet curtains tied back with handmade tassels. Even the balconies play their part, offering a quintessentially Parisian view of Avenue d’Iéna and the Guimet Museum.
2 /10
Raffles London at The OWO | London, United Kingdom
If ever a suite embodied hyper-local design, it’s the Granville Suite at Raffles London at The OWO. Named after Churchill’s favorite spy, this one-bedroom stunner channels old-world British grandeur with rich wood paneling, ornate plasterwork and antique fireplaces. Towering oak casement windows flood the space with moody London light, while the bathroom—opulent and oversized—feels like it was made for royalty. Designer Thierry Despont’s touch ensures every detail whispers history while embracing modern indulgence. Set within the storied walls of the Old War Office, this suite isn’t just a place to stay—it’s a time capsule of intrigue, elegance and undeniable British charm.
3 /10
Zannier Bai San Ho, Vietnam | Song Cau Town, Vietnam
At Zannier Bãi San Hô, hyper-local design isn’t just a concept—it’s in its DNA. Tucked away in Vietnam’s untouched Phu Yen province, this dreamy retreat channels the country’s architectural heritage across 73 villas, each seamlessly blending into the landscape. Stay in a stilted Paddy Fields Villa, inspired by traditional rice farmers’ homes, or embrace Cham culture in a Beach Pool Villa just steps from the sand. Up in the hills, Grand Bau Pool Villas nod to the Eden tribes, with thatched roofs and earthy textures. Natural materials, handcrafted furnishings and open-air layouts make each villa feel like a portal to Vietnam’s soul, where tradition and nature intertwine with modern indulgence in perfect harmony.
VIEW HOTEL
The article’s cover shot features the Hill Pool Villa at Zannier Bãi San Hô.
4 /10
Bishop’s Lodge | Santa Fe, New Mexico
The spirit of the Southwest is woven into every adobe wall, hand-carved beam and woven textile at Bishop’s Lodge. Hyper-local design shines in all the details, honoring Santa Fe’s rich artistic and cultural heritage. Set in the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, this historic ranch-turned-luxury retreat blends rustic charm with refined comfort. Rooms and casitas feature Indigenous textiles, adobe fireplaces and locally crafted furnishings, while the Bunkhouse, a sprawling 12-room escape, channels the warmth of a high-desert hacienda. Outside, piñon and aspen trees line endless trails, offering a scenic backdrop for stargazing, beekeeping, and botanical harvesting. Whether fireside with a glass of local wine or beneath the vast New Mexico sky, every moment here is steeped in place.
5 /10
Monaci delle Terre Nere Etna Wine Resort | Zafferana Etnea, Italy
Volcanic soil, vineyard views and centuries of Sicilian history—hyper-local design runs deep at Monaci delle Terre Nere Etna Wine Resort. This restored 17th-century monastery on the slopes of Mount Etna seamlessly blends heritage with modern touches. Stone walls, exposed wooden beams and lava rock fireplaces ground each suite and villa in the region’s past, while contemporary Italian furnishings add plenty of glamour. Some rooms are carved from ancient farmhouses, others sit among the vines, but all honor the land—whether through repurposed millstones, locally crafted décor or sweeping views of the countryside. Sip Etna’s finest wines, bask in the Sicilian sun and settle into a space where history and design are in perfect harmony.
6 /10
Almanac X Alcron Prague | Prague, Czech Republic
Prague’s past and present intertwine at Almanac X Alcron Prague, where hyper-local design brings the city’s architectural splendor into every suite. A reimagined icon, this century-old hotel balances Old Town grandeur with a contemporary edge. Soothing neutral tones and sleek designer furnishings set the stage, while curated local art and Czech-made touches ground the space in its storied surroundings, just steps from Wenceslas Square. Downstairs, the legendary Alcron Restaurant has been a benchmark of Czech fine dining since 1932, famed for its impeccable service and culinary innovation. Today, Head Chef Richard Bielik carries on this legacy with a plant-forward menu and refined takes on traditional Czech cuisine, earning the restaurant a coveted spot in the Gault & Millau guide.
7 /10
Rancho Santana | Tola, Nicaragua
Where the jungle meets the Pacific, Rancho Santana unfolds across 2,700 acres of Nicaragua’s untouched Emerald Coast, offering a seamless blend of adventure and serenity. Every inch of this vast retreat is infused with hyper-local design, from handcrafted furnishings made in the on-site woodshop to the organic textures that mirror the landscape’s rugged beauty. Stay at The Inn & Residences, where private terraces frame sweeping ocean views, or retreat to a Pacific Suite post-surf. Five beaches, endless waves and winding trails invite exploration, while curated experiences—from horseback rides at sunset to bonfires beneath a star-streaked sky—immerse guests in the rhythm of this remote paradise.
8 /10
SO/ Uptown Dubai | Dubai, United Arab Emirates
A beacon of bold design and high-fashion glamour, SO/ Uptown Dubai rises above the city skyline, redefining luxury with a playful, avant-garde twist. Spanning 10 floors of the striking Uptown Tower, this style-forward hotel is a magnet for trendsetters. Inspired by Dubai’s bold contrasts—heritage and innovation, desert and skyline—the 188 rooms and statement suites shimmer with artistic flair. Opulent gold accents nod to the city’s gilded past and ultra-modern present, while indulgent marble bathrooms reflect the sleek architecture of Downtown Dubai. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame sweeping views, from the glittering towers of Jumeirah Beach to the endless dunes beyond, making this a front-row seat to the ever-evolving story of the city.
9 /10
The Bank Hotel Istanbul | Istanbul, Türkiye
Bridging past and present in Istanbul’s vibrant Karaköy district, The Bank Hotel is a masterful blend of neo-renaissance grandeur and hyper-local design. Housed in a former bank, this design-forward retreat reflects the neighborhood’s cultural transformation—from financial hub to a creative epicenter of art galleries, boutique cafés and stylish concept stores. Inside, 62 elegantly curated rooms—designed by Sinan Kafadar—preserve the building’s historic charm with parquet floors, original radiators and Carrara marble bathrooms, while modern comforts add effortless luxury. Up top, the rooftop restaurant serves up dazzling views of Istanbul’s historic peninsula, ensuring each stay is a feast for the senses.
10 /10
The Upper House | Hong Kong, China
A serene sanctuary high above Hong Kong, The Upper House is a masterclass in understated luxury, holistic well-being and hyper-local design. Conceived by architect Andre Fu, its 117 spacious rooms—including 21 suites and two penthouses—draw inspiration from the city’s vertical landscape, blending warm wood, natural stone and soft lighting for a tranquil retreat. Every detail reflects Hong Kong’s duality—serene yet energetic, modern yet steeped in tradition. Wellness is at the heart of the experience, with curated programs and collaborations with top wellness experts. Set against sweeping Victoria Harbour views, this boutique escape offers a peaceful contrast to the city’s pulse, while its intuitive service and discreet elegance make every stay feel like coming home.
