Traveling the world is my passion. I have lived on four continents and traveled through five. I have always been fascinated with luxury boutique hotels that offer a feeling of home with a holistic approach to design. I can tell instantly when a hotel was designed by an architect who understands the relationship between materials, lines and the environment in which he or she is building. These spaces typically have a palpable synergy between structure and design, featuring furniture and decor that enhance their surroundings rather than distract from them.
Here are some of my top picks for 2018 luxury boutique hotels:
Sustainability is the main focus of 1 South Beach, whose ability to appeal to the human senses is unparalleled. From a menu boasting only organic foods to a commitment to an overall feeling of holistic healing, you cannot help but feel better having stepped foot inside the hotel. Architecturally, lines of 1 South Beach mimic the environment creating exquisite form.
Reclaimed materials including wood, sandstone and glass are used to allow the beachfront to sit center stage. Design elements and accents mimic the blue color of the water and tactile, natural clay pots further enhance the space’s composition. Solidifying nature’s top spot in the design’s hierarchy is impeccable biophilic design by Plant the Future.
Recently restored, Ottantotto was once a baker’s home workshop, a residence, then a philanthropic institution. Now a boutique hotel and residence, the building’s recent renovation modernized the space while maintaining its traditional charm. Original elements including patina walls, stone walls and floors, exposed brick, and original statues on the property remain intact, while new floor to ceiling windows have given this building a new relationship with brilliant natural light.
Ottanpotto’s interior design integrates sleek, modern furniture and cutting-edge technology, which creates a visual interest while adding greater functionality. This small hotel boasts just seven rooms total over four floors, each encapsulating the idea of “home” in a timeless, unique way. Ottanpotto’s historic garden that guests and residents are welcome to roam offers an opportunity to connect with nature and maintain a sense of serenity in an otherwise busy urban setting.
Unlike many beachfront resorts, Silver Sands Grenada blends seamlessly with its surroundings, the interior often spilling out to the landscape. Utilizing clean lines, neutral, sandy colors, and rich, tactile materials, the space maximizes views, allowing crashing waves and bright greenery to remain the focal point.
Homogeneous materials and impeccable symmetry are enhanced by modern furniture, intentionally curated to match the sand and water. In this space, guests are able to become a part of their surroundings, never bombarded with overwhelming furniture or ornate decor. Minimalism blends the boundaries between interior and exterior, creating an overall feeling of oneness with the earth.
Nestled into the coast of Yala National Park, the Wild Coast Tented Lodge is nearly invisible from above. Inspired by impermanent structures erected by nomadic people, the lodge is built into the untouched surrounding environment, melting into the rocky, landscape, rich with greenery. A feeling of interconnectedness is inevitable as nearly every part of the lodge uses the outdoor space as an extension of the indoor space, creating an exquisite flow.
Rooms are constructed with techniques similar to those used on sailboats, sewing canvas to metal and wood to create a curvilinear, cocoon-like structure. Floor-to-ceiling windows provide unfiltered natural light, highlighting polished wood, brass, and copper fixtures and details. This fully-sustainable resort allows guests to maintain their alignment, offering ample opportunities to connect to achieve a mentally clear and emotionally calm state.
Maintaining alignment when we travel is essential as we work toward wellness goals.
Laurence Carr Design practices holistic design, which pays great attention to the small, even minute details that create a feeling of interconnectedness with the world as a whole. Through these highly-specialized architectural and design techniques, we are able to assist in the process of setting and meeting intentions. If one feels aligned with the space they inhabit day-to-day, breaking that alignment can create an interruption in positive energy flow. Seeking the right place to stay when you are away from home can help you maintain that sense of peace and well-being you worked so hard to achieve.
To discuss how holistic design can be implemented in your home, click here to schedule your free consultation.
