Travel
Mercedes-Benz Vision Pearl
With the Viano Vision Pearl showcar, which will be presented at this year's International Motor Show (IAA) in September, Mercedes-Benz demonstrates what is possible in the van sector. A full leather interior in white and magno pearl grey, wood floor, brushed aluminium trim, chromatically tinting windows and the Bang & Olufsen high-end sound system "BeoSound Viano" make a journey in the Viano Vision Pearl a memorable experience for up to six occupants.
The generous interior has space for the very latest technologies and exclusive design features. The design concept is takes its inspiration from that of modern sporting yachts, with the theme of travel as an experience. The showcar will celebrate its world premiere at the September 2011 IAA show in Frankfurt.
www.mercedes-benz.com
Travel
It's a Wonderful,
Colorful World
Missoni opened it's first hotel in Edinburgh, Scotland, this summer
Hotel Missoni Edinburgh represents a new standard of design hotel that combines the style of the iconic fashion and interiors label with the expertise of one of the world’s leading hotel operators. Spearheaded by Hotel Missoni Creative Director, Rosita Missoni and Rezidor Executive Vice-President of Brands, Gordon McKinnon, the partnership is creating a distinctive blend of fashion, function, form and service that adds up to a new genre of genuinely luxurious hotels.
Kurt Ritter, Rezidor CEO, believes Hotel Missoni is ‘a totally new breed of hotel’. ‘I’ve seen so many of these hotels with grey, black and brown and minimalist design – this is distinctive and colourful. As soon as you walk through the doors you know its Missoni’.
Missoni’s signature bold use of colour and striking patterns bring a cool, contemporary energy to the hotel - not only to the public spaces of the restaurant, Cucina and Bar Missoni but also to the private areas of the bedrooms and bathrooms.
Hotel Missoni Edinburgh
1 George IV Bridge
EH 1 AD Edinburgh
United Kingdom
Travel
The Standard Grill
The Standard Grill - located at André Balazs' new hotel The Standard, New York - is now open for dinner and drinks, serving a daily changing menu that is a blend of traditional meat market chop houses with New American Grill sensibilities. The Standard, New York, built over the High Line in the Meatpacking District, is the fourth Standard hotel, with locations in Hollywood, Downtown LA, and Miami. If you would like information about either the restaurant or the hotel, please do not hesitate to contact us, or visit www.standardhotels.com.
The Standard Grill
Under the High Line
848 Washington Street
at the corner of West 13th
New York City
www.thestandardgrill.com
Reservations: +1 212 645 4100
Travel
Échappée Belle
The Hermès year 2009 is dedicated to theme „Échappée Belle“ - the beautiful escape, the idea of the unexpected, while new paths are being forged out of the everyday life.
As a companion the classic Valise UL is experiencing a comeback. Already in the 40ies the suitcase was Jean-Louis Dumas’ indispensable travel accessory, who was the former Hermès president in fifth generation. The spring-summer collection 2009 revives the Valise UL by using flashy colours and round angles. The new version is as minimalist and functional as the previous but has additional applied details such as the adjustable and detachable shoulder strap and the outside pocket which can be inserted with an address label and a passport. The suitcase is made of Officier Canvas and Taurillon Clemens leather and is available in four different colour combinations.
www.hermes.com
Travel
Opus Hotel Montreal
Opus Montreal provides a unique boutique experience, blending modern design with a nod to history in chic Montreal style. An intimate one hundred and thirty-six guestrooms combine sleek minimalism with luxurious comfort. Located in downtown Montreal on the corner of Sherbrooke and St. Laurent, the hotel is steps from the vibrant entertainment district and minutes from both Old Montreal and the “Plateau” Mont-Royal. Opus Montreal is the second boutique hotel in the stylish Opus Hotels group.
Opus Hotel Montreal
10 Sherbrooke Ouest
Montreal, Québec H2X 4C9
www.opushotel.com
Travel
La Maison
Champs-Elysées
Opened in July, Maison Martin Margiela presents its first hotel collaboration with la Maison Champs-Elysées. After more than two decades of designing showrooms and shops to sell its collections throughout the world, Maison Martin Margiela has begun a new page in its history with projects involving interior architecture and design.
The label has been entrusted to rethink the interior design of the hotel which is located within the historical building of the Maison des Centraliens and situated at the junction of Avenue Montaigne, the Grand Palais and Place de la Concorde. In designing this project Maison Martin Margiela aimed for continuity in relation to its own artistic history by creating a place where contrasts harmonize and a theatrical environment where reality and trompe-l'oeil blend into a surreal atmosphere.
Travel
Nhow and Wow
Between innovation and provocation, between comfort and technology, between irreverence and excellence: this is Nhow. Situated in Via Tortona, Milano, in the ex industrial area that nowadays has become a modern and trendy district, the hotel is the place where a business or a pleasure trip can become a unforgettable experience.
Nhow Hotel, a new brand from NH Hotels, has been conceived as “dynamic container” that suits the different exigencies of a society in continuous change. The key word is “fluid design” because it moves away from the static concept of the hotel and embraces an evolutive philosophy, synonymous of flexibility. Not only a hotel then, but a show-room that accomodates a selection of products from the most famous design companies and becomes temporary exhibition in coordination with the Triennale di Milano and various Art Galleries.
Travel
Susanne Kaufmann day spa
The Susanne Kaufmann spa Berlin offers single and double treatments, full-day programs and individual treatments for women and men. The range of services extends from cosmetic treatments for all skin types and relaxation baths or massages to a couple’s treatment in the “private spa”, a brightly lit room incorporating a steam bath for two people, a luxury whirlpool and two wellness loungers. The focus of attention here is on so-called ‘organic treats.’ “We use this term to describe a natural, holistic form of cosmetics with which the customers can treat themselves and feel that they are in good hands,” explains Susanne Kaufmann. The natural ingredients contained in the Susanne Kaufmann organic treats actively promote the regeneration of skin through the powers which lay dormant within the plants. And the effect can be felt immediately: soothing, smoothing, harmonizing and invigorating.
Susanne Kaufmann spa berlin
Monbijouplatz 4
10178 Berlin
Germany
www.susannekaufmann.com/spaberlin
Travel
The Mandala Hotel opens Luxurious Penthouse
As your eyes gaze over the buildings of Potsdamer Platz from lofty heights, you relax with a drink at your very own bar, feeling the buzz of the big city below. This could be your evening in one of the most modern hotel suites in Berlin. The “Top of the Town” penthouse has been created on the 11th floor of the The Mandala Hotel on Potsdamer Platz. The penthouse with its loft-like feel spans 200 square meters. Windows on three sides that reach from the ceiling all the way to the floor let you look out over the entire city. It has its own bar, an open living and reading space with an area for eating and holding meetings, a workspace and a separate bedroom with bathtub and whirlpool.
At the Mandala Hotel guests can experience design, light, aesthetics and the infinitely gratifying feeling of coming home. In addition to 200 square feet of pure high quality and modern living, visitors will also discover a wellness oasis: the new ONO Spa with a nationally exclusive Via Sensus reflexology walk-around course on the terrace.
www.themandala.de
www.onospa.de
Travel
Hotel Amano
Situated in the Mitte district – the pulsating heart of Berlin – three-star Hotel Amano provides an ideal location for both the business and leisure traveller. The neighborhood, packed with restaurants, clubs, bars, art galleries and boutiques is one of the most hip and happening parts of the city.
Caring for all needs a guest can have, the lovely staff at Amano puts together special miniature guides, complete with tips for cultural activities, shopping, food & clubbing. The 163 rooms are a combination of minimalistic chic and comfort. Unique in Berlin, the rooms have sleek furnishings and clean lines that create an ambiance of uncluttered simplicity. Furthermore, Amano perceives itself not only as a place to stay for a night but also as a creative platform for Berlin based artists and visitors alike.
www.hotel-amano.com
Travel
Home Away
From Home
Following the 2005 opening in Barcelona, the second Casa Camper hotel recently opened its doors in September in Berlin.
Located in the centre of Berlin -within walking distance to the Hackescher Markt- the 51 room, 3 suite hotel features a unique “home away from home” design with natural daylight enhanced ensuite bathrooms with spacious living areas, combined with a relaxing and friendly atmosphere. The concept of the hotel and its interior design is the accomplishment of Fernando Amat and Jordi Tio.
Camper is a family owned company from Mallorca, Spain, with more than 130 years of tradition in the shoe industry. They believe that real life lies in simplicity, discretion, authenticity, a healthy lifestyle, and an appreciation for aesthetics as a form of culture and a source of inner satisfaction. Consistent with these
believes, Casa Camper was born.
Travel
The Design Hotels
BOOK
Design Hotels introduces its re-launched book and magazine. With a complete physical and conceptual makeover both the New Directions magazine and The Design Hotels BOOK showcase the people and experiences behind the brand’s new core message: Made by Originals.
In contrast to the previous editions of the Yearbook, this year’s Design Hotels BOOK is bigger and bolder than ever before. Totally redesigned, the book comprises stories and striking images that reveal the individual concepts behind each of the 170 portrayed member hotels. Available as a hardcover coffee-table book in either black or white, the 488-page publication groups member hotels by different experiences - signature, rare and offbeat, to help guests find the atmosphere that suits, or inspires them best.
ISBN: 978-3-89955-238-6
Hardcover, 488 pages, 24 x 32 cm
Available for purchase at www.designhotels.com/shop, at member hotels and selected book retailers worldwide.
Travel
Lux 11
Travel
Fit for a Kaiser
Luxury hotels may be the best way to vacation, but the sameness of many five star chains can spoil an exotic location. Worse is the impersonal, revolving door feel of high profile establishments that seem built for business rather than pleasure. ALMA Schlosshotel im Grunewald, a five star, private mansion hotel in the German capital’s most prestigious residential area, offers a more unique experience. With only discreet signage to distinguish it from neighboring homes, a stay here would make you feel as though a Prussian aristocrat has loaned you his stately retreat. As it happens, that isn’t so far from the truth. The Schlosshotel was built just before WWI for the family of Walther von Pannwitz, advisor to Kaiser Wilhelm II, whom he often entertained on the premises. The house opened as a hotel in 1951 and remains one of Berlin’s best addresses.
The hotel appointed couturier extraordinaire Karl Lagerfeld to perform a no-expenses-spared interior makeover in 1994. The designer fell in love with the place and still keeps a luxury suite there, kitted out with furniture from his personal collection. Happily, this may be booked by guests in his absence. Lagerfeld also adores the palace at Versailles and was inspired to combine the extravagant design history of his adopted homeland with that of his native Germany. The 20-million euro makeover included the re-gilding of all the original ornamentation using 5000 sheets of gold leaf. Walls are draped in French silk damask imported from Lyon and the basement, formerly a WWII bunker, is now a Roman bath style pool.
With only 54 rooms, ALMA Schlosshotel im Grunewald is the ultimate, intimate luxury experience, just a short, chauffeured Audi drive from the heart of one of Europe’s hippest capitals. A city break fit for a King or a Kaiser. Prices start at €300 per night for a deluxe double room.
ALMA Schlosshotel im Grunewald
Brahmsstrasse 10
14193 Berlin
Germany
www.schlosshotelberlin.com
Travel
Maison Champs-Elysées
The hotel ‘Maison Champs-Elysées’ commissioned Maison Martin Margiela to reconceive, renew and create a new interior design of the entire groundfloor together with 7 suites and 10 guest rooms.
Located in the historical building of the Maison des Centraliens in the heart of Paris, this soon-to-be five-starestate is situated at the intersection of the Grand Palais, avenue Montaigne and the rond-point des Champs Elysées.
Maison Champs-Elysées
Maison des Centraliens, Paris 75008
Opening in April 2011
www.maisonmartinmargiela.com
Travel
Louis Vuitton
City Guide 2010
The new collection of Louis Vuitton City Guides is being released on October 15th 2009, touching down in new, totally unprecedented cities.
London, Los Angeles and Rome are also being offered for the first time in individual box sets, while the indispensable European edition is adding six new destinations to its map: Basel, Deauville, Knokke-le-Zoute, Mykonos, Malaga and Tel Aviv. With 40 cities across the world and 10,000 addresses, the Louis Vuitton City Guides collection provides the traveller with an original view.
Travel
Happy Travel with Viktor & Rolf
Two unique global brands Samsonite Black Label and Viktor & Rolf have joined forces to create a new, truly magical collection that delivers an optimistic, exciting and glamorous take on the world of travel.
The distinctive vision of internationally-acclaimed designers Viktor & Rolf associated with the technical and innovative skills of Samsonite Black Label has resulted in an original and thoroughly contemporary concept.
Inspired by the early jet years of the ‘50s and ‘60s the maverick duo’s designs for Samsonite Black Label are given a distinctively modern twist. The collection is fun and energetic, infused with Viktor & Rolf’s obvious joy for detail. Alluding to the heady days of the dawn of the jet age, a time when travelling to new destinations was full of optimism, excitement and glamour, the collection features a characteristically playful vintage aeroplane print or a classic black.
www.samsoniteblacklabel.com
www.viktor-rolf.com
Travel
The discovery of the wheel
From the beginning Valextra has contributed to the evolution of travel. Every creation offers clients something that never existed before. Something useful and beautiful, which becomes a must-have, for what it has less of and thus for what it has more of. Three years of research for something that seems to have existed forever. Sharing the same spirit, the Avietta with wheels and the Carry-on with wheels take shape. The idea is to protect the gracefulness of a precious and personal item, amplifying its usability. Items that, while keeping intact the original design, integrate a new pulling device, free from external or internal hindrances. New in its fully integrated tracks, new with its ultra light materials.
www.valextra.it
