BERLIN – As the world becomes progressively smaller and even the most remote location is soon transformed into an Instagram hotspot, uncovering something that harks back to the first, unexplored days at a favorite destination becomes incredibly precious. From the vast desert landscape of northeastern Brazil to a refreshing new spin on a much-loved locale, Design Hotels presents six new members bringing back the joy of discovery.
Chez Georges – Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
With design influenced by both Brutalism and Modernism and a location that straddles the pulsing streets of Rio’s Santa Teresa district as well as a swathe of protected forest, Chez Georges emerges as a place of enigmatic contrasts. The nine-room villa is characterized by raw concrete, whitewashed walls, exotic woods, and soaring ceilings, while interiors see an abundance of mid-century furnishings, antiques, and bathrooms featuring typical azulejo mosaics. Solely available for exclusive hire, Chez Georges houses a state-of-the-art recording studio, alongside the ubiquitous pool, sun-drenched terrace, and authentic Brazilian restaurant.
With design influenced by both Brutalism and Modernism and a location that straddles the pulsing streets of Rio’s Santa Teresa district as well as a swathe of protected forest, Chez Georges emerges as a place of enigmatic contrasts. The nine-room villa is characterized by raw concrete, whitewashed walls, exotic woods, and soaring ceilings, while interiors see an abundance of mid-century furnishings, antiques, and bathrooms featuring typical azulejo mosaics. Solely available for exclusive hire, Chez Georges houses a state-of-the-art recording studio, alongside the ubiquitous pool, sun-drenched terrace, and authentic Brazilian restaurant.
La Ferme de Georges – Barreirinhas, Brazil
Set within the splendid isolation of farmland and cashew tree forests at the very edge of the Lencois Maranhenses National Park, La Ferme de Georges is the rural counterpart to Rio’s Chez Georges. Envisioned by Originals Pierre Bident Moldeva and Olivier Verwilghen as a self-sufficient hub—disconnected from the bustle of everyday life—an organic plantation sits side-by-side with a plant-to-plate restaurant and seven chalets. The chalets are reminiscent of tradition Brazilian beach huts, surrounded by lush greenery, and constructed from locally-sourced hard wood, brick, and palha, or straw. The neighboring beachside village of Atins offers sublime kite surfing conditions in the quintessential off-the-beaten-track setting.
Set within the splendid isolation of farmland and cashew tree forests at the very edge of the Lencois Maranhenses National Park, La Ferme de Georges is the rural counterpart to Rio’s Chez Georges. Envisioned by Originals Pierre Bident Moldeva and Olivier Verwilghen as a self-sufficient hub—disconnected from the bustle of everyday life—an organic plantation sits side-by-side with a plant-to-plate restaurant and seven chalets. The chalets are reminiscent of tradition Brazilian beach huts, surrounded by lush greenery, and constructed from locally-sourced hard wood, brick, and palha, or straw. The neighboring beachside village of Atins offers sublime kite surfing conditions in the quintessential off-the-beaten-track setting.
Lo Sereno Casa De Playa – Troncones, Mexico
Exuding the vibe of a private beach home, the intimate 10-room property is nestled between the mountains and the Pacific Ocean. Located in Troncones, a world-class surfing destination in Mexico, the hotel is set along a three-mile-long unspoiled beach bordered by coconut palms. Offering a fresh contemporary look with a decidedly Mexican flair, the rooms face the ocean or an infinity pool and feature private bathroom patios and large terraces. The hotel’s kitchen offers gourmet regional fare, sourcing fresh local ingredients daily. A curated boutique offers guests everything from surfboards and beach essentials to books.
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Exuding the vibe of a private beach home, the intimate 10-room property is nestled between the mountains and the Pacific Ocean. Located in Troncones, a world-class surfing destination in Mexico, the hotel is set along a three-mile-long unspoiled beach bordered by coconut palms. Offering a fresh contemporary look with a decidedly Mexican flair, the rooms face the ocean or an infinity pool and feature private bathroom patios and large terraces. The hotel’s kitchen offers gourmet regional fare, sourcing fresh local ingredients daily. A curated boutique offers guests everything from surfboards and beach essentials to books.
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The Whitby Hotel – New York, USA
Midtown Manhattan emits a British buzz with the opening of The Whitby Hotel, Firmdale Hotels’ second foray into the New York hotel scene. The hotel’s 86 individually styled bedrooms and suites are set over 16 floors, with many offering large private terraces, and all featuring Kit Kemp’s award-winning luxurious, contemporary style defined by an innovative mix of color, pattern, texture, and art. On the ground floor, The Whitby Bar, drawing room, orangery, and courtyard offer a gathering place for the city’s creative classes. While the stylish private-event rooms and a 130-seat cinema are set to play host to the Big Apple’s chicest soirees.
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Midtown Manhattan emits a British buzz with the opening of The Whitby Hotel, Firmdale Hotels’ second foray into the New York hotel scene. The hotel’s 86 individually styled bedrooms and suites are set over 16 floors, with many offering large private terraces, and all featuring Kit Kemp’s award-winning luxurious, contemporary style defined by an innovative mix of color, pattern, texture, and art. On the ground floor, The Whitby Bar, drawing room, orangery, and courtyard offer a gathering place for the city’s creative classes. While the stylish private-event rooms and a 130-seat cinema are set to play host to the Big Apple’s chicest soirees.
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Avalon Hotel Palm Springs – California, USA
Set in the foothills of the San Jacinto Mountains, this historic Spanish Mission-style hotel is located just minutes from Downtown Palm Springs. Designed by Kelly Wearstler, the doyenne of West Coast interior design, the hotel’s 65 rooms, suites, and bungalows are defined by a minimalist color palette, accented with pops of primrose yellow. Four acres of fragrant, manicured gardens centered around the hotel’s three stylish pools call forth the storied golden age of this desert oasis, while Avalon’s restaurant and bar Chi Chi, the latest hot spot from chef/restauranteur Tara Lazar, offer guests a vibrant taste of modern day Palm Springs.
Avalon Hotel Beverly Hills – Los Angeles, USA
A hip hideaway in the heart of Beverley Hills, the 84-room hotel merges mid-century design with a laid-back LA aesthetic. The one-time residence of Marilyn Monroe and much-loved haunt of the likes of Mae West and Lucille Ball, the heart of the Avalon Hotel Beverley Hills is the original 1950’s hourglass-shaped pool surrounded by chic loungers and semi-private cabanas for Hollywood royalty. Spilling out onto the poolside lounge is the hotel’s restaurant and bar Viviane, helmed by chef Michael Hung and serving modern French and Californian cuisine.
A hip hideaway in the heart of Beverley Hills, the 84-room hotel merges mid-century design with a laid-back LA aesthetic. The one-time residence of Marilyn Monroe and much-loved haunt of the likes of Mae West and Lucille Ball, the heart of the Avalon Hotel Beverley Hills is the original 1950’s hourglass-shaped pool surrounded by chic loungers and semi-private cabanas for Hollywood royalty. Spilling out onto the poolside lounge is the hotel’s restaurant and bar Viviane, helmed by chef Michael Hung and serving modern French and Californian cuisine.
