Category: Hotels

If you are looking a veritable inspiration for a modern architecture, then I recommend you to pay attention to the work of Rykart Architekten.  The Tschingel architecture consists of complex houses, which are  located in a lovely place offering  a splendid view. By overlooking to the attractively lake, you can see not only the lake beauty that you can admire, but also the extraordinary architectural design of this complex, situated in Brienz.

The Rykart Architekten choose to develop a contemporary design by ensembling five buildings in a fragmented nature, which succeeded to transform the traditional chalet into a modern design one.

The 34 small apartments, which are unobstructed from 1 ½ to 3 ½ rooms, form together the Tschingel complex.  These apartments have large balconies, which are embellishing the facade of the building and maintain the horizontal banding of the house volume.

 Photos © Rycart Architekten

SPECIALISTS

Minder & Partner GmbH, construction management, Brienz

Mätzener & Wyss AG, civil engineers, Meiringen

Schmidiger Peter AG, electrical engineers, Interlaken

Flück Building Services Ltd, HVAC planned, Brienz

Office B, Physics, Matten b. Interlaken

Holiday homes that offers both constant, fresh contact to the nature and comfort are among our favourite vacation destinations. And fortunately, there are many such places in the world that makes you forget, even for a week or two, about the daily hectic life of the big cities where we live. Located in Cavallino Treporti, near Venice, Italy, the 6,400 sq. m Marina di Venezia Camping is one such beautiful place, where guests can enjoy a great summer escape. It is designed by Italian architecture practice Matteo Thun & Partners and consists of a group of small and appealing  patio houses, called ‘Garden Villas’, which reveals a modern interpretation of camping bungalows, where comfort and close contact to the nature goes hand in hand.

Focusing on sustainable architecture and always looking for a genuine dialogue with the cultural landscape of the edifice, Matteo Thun & Partners envisioned a “botanical” architectural project, which respect the surrounding nature and tries to save as much as possible the presence of a significant number of pine trees. Therefore, both the floor plan and the overall layout of the holiday retreats were designed in order to preserve them.  Displaying a modest, yet stylish and modern interior design, the 24 wooden villas are made for comfort seeking touris.

Each one is composed by two opposing volumes, an inner courtyard with a terrace, a lawn and the original pine trees. Every space reveals a discreet charm and a lovely fnctional design making you feel relaxed and enjoy the time spent there. Two bedrooms and a bathroom are situated on the one side of the garden and the living area includes the dining and kitchen, a TV corner and a bathroom. The two volumes are perfectly connected by the roof of the terrace made to offer protection in case of rain and to make shade on sunny days. Double-glazed windows and the natural stone floor used both indoors and outdoors create a fluidity between the two of them. While larch wood cladding makes their appearance to change gradually during daytime, giving them a more personal look,  the beautiful ‘Garden Villas’ have also a good acoustic and thermal insulation thanks to the eco-friendly material they are made of: wood-cement blocks. Check out some pictures below!

Photos © Matteo Thun & Partners

Ideal location in the city center of Lausanne, panoramic views of the lake, the Alps, and the Jura Mountains, excellent facilities and service at an international 4 stars standard, topped with a bold, new contemporary look are prerequisites of a perfect trip or holiday- these are a few highlights of the newly renovated Agora Swiss Night Hotel, the legendary hotel of the ’70s created by by renowned Swiss hoteliers, the Fassbind family. Located in a quiet and green area, just minutes away from Lausanne main rail station, a nice park and botanical gardens, and 1 km from Lake Geneva, the Agora Swiss Night Hotel promises a  great Swiss night experience at best prices.

The hotel’s short stay guests are now enjoying a completely new offer, where the fitting-out and design of the atypical and mythical Agora Hotel belongs to the Paris Studio Hertrich & Adnet, who came up with an interesting approach pleasing to the eye, embracing a warm, modern and yet unconventional atmosphere.

Their goal was to achieve a contemporary look  at a certain kind of today’s Switzerland with a strong identity, inviting and funny. A blend of natural colors and light colored woods, accentuated with vibrant red, decorates the public areas and guestrooms creating that cocoons-like feel, while the top floor, where is situated the breakfast restaurant, is quite different being more bright, white and breezy.

The entire layout is in fact an invitation to take a long mountains walk, the climbing to the heights  starting from the basement right to the top of the hotel. On the “road”, you’re pleasantly surprised with nice combination of traditional materials, plenty of Swiss motifs, winks of acknowledgement and anecdotes that elevate you from the basement where you find the modern spa and fitness zone through the village square which is a lovely lobby to the heights to find “refuge” in the neat and comfortable rooms with large windows overlooking the garden, air-conditioned, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TV with 200 international channels and other optional facilities. Finally, at the top floor, you reach the “roof of the world” with the breakfast room with glasses all around, offering a stunning view over Lake Geneva. Take a look!

Photos © Fassbind Hotels

Jérémie Koempgen Architecture teamed up with FUGA to redesign an old farm house located in Morzine, in the historic district of Pied de la Plagne. Built in 1840 and considered a symbol of traditional local architecture, it was converted into a charming luxurious holiday villa, which can be rented for longer periods. Offering modern design with a hint of traditional architecture, all mixed up in visual harmony, Villa Solaire is a very inviting and welcoming retreat especially designed to fit the needs of 16 people. Surrounded by magnificent mountain scenery, the rental villa inspires peacefulness and is a great escape from our everyday agitated and stressful life.

The project’s aim was create a series of up-to-date facilities and functions favorable current living, whilst preserve the architectual identity of the farm. The whole design, both exterior and interior, is imagined as being part of its surroundings regarding history, landscape and geography.  The framework was restored by replacing the wood structure of the first level with concrete structure, while the original looking wooden cladding that covers the whole building is the result of brushing and making perforations within the wood strips through a traditional technique of decorative cutouts, which besides the contemporary and simple motifs it creates, this method has for this project also a functional role of carrying extra light into the heart of the building.

What is interesting is the fact that  the cut-out patterns aren’t randomly designed, they meet the course of the shadows that cast onto the villa throughout the year. Inside, the two-story Villa Solaire gets a modern and highly functional layout, perfectly fit for 16 people.

A ground floor wading pool surrounded with recycled slate tiles (from the roof) sets the tone for a relaxing environment. The interior concept takes inspiration from the topography of the of the Rhône-Alpes region (with mountains and valleys), and on the first floor it features a cross-shaped living room with different levels in the structure, where inhabitants shares various activities like cooking, watching a movie, warming up around the fire, and four autonomous “blocks” such as rocks, situated at each corner of the villa. Envisioned like a built-in furniture architecture, these nested spaces are suites with their sleeping areas and easements.

This logic complexity of the concept is accompanied by a reflection on treatment of details and materials. The interiors are contemporary and minimalist, as if everything that truly counts here is the tranquility of the wonderful natural setting. The extensive use of wood gives a feeling of warmth, contrasting nicely with the grey palette. The fireplace surrounded by sofa and couches creates the perfect spot for indoor entertaining and relaxation. Large windows provide the right quantity of  light during the day. Enjoy the design details and the contemplative state it inspires!

Photos ©  Julien Lanoo

Project details:

Program: Retructuration from a farm into a rental villa
Location: Morzine, Haute-Savoie, France
Area: 620 sqm
Client: Private
Design: JKA (Jeremiah Koempgen Architecture) + FUGA (J.Aich & M.Recordon)
Economy Project: IMC ECO
Construction Companies: SARL Laperrousaz (Frame) / SARL Company Fourcade Herve (interior design) / Yves Gourvest SARL (masonry) / SAS Guy PERRACINO (millwork)
Timing: Early studies 10/2009, completion 01/2012

Our last post with the splendid Le Méridien Pyramids Resort opened our appetite to look for more of these magnificent destinations and share with you our discoveries. The spring beautiful weather makes us think already of the hot summer days when many of us dream to be on an exotic island with miles of silky sand beaches and crystal clear water, far away from our everyday hectic and stressful lifestyle. So, today we’ve landed in paradise, right on a magical and most desired island called St. Barth, known as one of the most  fashionable and exclusive vacation destinations in the world.

Surrounded by the warm turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea and blessed with an absolutely pristine white-sand beaches which are protected by strict environmental laws, the island is an absolutely enchanting place with its own distinctively character, where one can enjoy the best life has to offer. And what can be the perfect home base to start such a terrific adventure if not a five-star luxury resort like Le Sereno? Secluded, airy and, as the name suggests, serene, Le Sereno is one of Caribbean’s hottest new hotels and spas nestled inside Grand Cul de Sac on St. Barth’s island.

Spanning 180 meters of pristine shoreline, the chic hotel is an intimate and welcoming beachfront retreat perfect for couples. 36 suites and three, large four-bedroom villas, all reflecting the modern vision and aesthetic sensibility of one of the most renowned French designer Christian Liaigre, are waiting travelers searching for privacy, comfort and luxury. Especially designed to capture the island’s relaxed spirit and energy, the sleek suites and villas are the ultimate accomodation, merging inside and outside. Luxurious and spacious interior spaces are extremely elegant, equipped with modern amenities and integrating private terraces with heavenly views of the bay.

The Spa at Le Sereno promises an authentically world of serenity where guests will sink their senses into the deepest relaxation for an unforgetable sensorial experience, whilst  their Restaurant des Pêcheurs and, Bar and Lounge will delights you with incredible dishes and, unique and delicious cocktails. Thanks to designer Christian Liaigre’s vision and amazing sense of style, Le Sereno hotel and spa has gained the reputation as the most stylish and private sanctuary among St. Barth’s select group of hotels. He involved in all the aspects of the planning, design and execution of the furniture, lighting fixtures and most of the accessories for the hotel, which recently joined the world’s largest luxury hospitality organization, The Leading Hotels of the World, Ltd. Enjoy these gorgeous photos and share with us your experience if you visit this place.

 Photos © Le Sereno

Are you thinking about planning your honeymoon vacation or summer vacation this year and you’re still looking for the perfect place? Well , we’ve recently discovered a tremendous unrivaled and time-honored location for those of you who are attract by the Ancient Egypt and the stories about the ancient wonders of the world. Although for many of you visiting such places might be a thing of the past, splendid resorts like Le Méridien Pyramids Hotel & Spa will offer you a new perspective, turning undoubtedly your experience into a memorably one. Just looking at these gorgeous pictures and we imagine how great would be to take a well-deserved break from everyday routine  in such a magnificent location overlooking  inimitable, breathtaking views of the great Pyramids. It’s a dream!

Le Méridien Pyramids Hotel & Spa has a privileged location, being beautifully set in its own landscaped gardens at southwest of Cairo and within less than one kilometer distance from the Giza Pyramids, one of the seven ancient wonders of the World, and the ancient Sphinx, twenty minutes drive from the city center and 45 minutes from Cairo International Airport. With 633 harmonious rooms and suites, a health and fitness center that pulses with life and energize your creative self, world’s finest dining where guests can enjoy the exotic gourmet cuisine, bars and state of the art rooms, this resort exceeds all expectations, helping you explore the chic side of Giza.

The warm Mediterranean climate with hot summers invites you to forget about the hustle and the bustle of the Cairo city and relax yourself    in one of the hotel’s two large free form heated swimming pools with waterfalls, underwater massage  and uniquely designed built-in sunbeds or have a fresh drink at the pool island restaurant with views of the Majestic Pyramids of Giza. The design aesthetic gives off a contemporary vibe with elegant, generously sized rooms & suites embellished with exquisite and thoughtful details that create a flawless blend of traditional charm and modern comfort. Combining harmoniously pharaonic and European décor, each room and suite is fully equipped with outstanding facilities to offer you the ultimate in comfort and luxury. Modern furnishing design and warm colors palette ensure a welcoming and inviting ambiance to experience and enjoy.

Sumptuous international buffets and àla- cart menu with divine dishes from every corner of the globe await you for a memorably delicious experience. You can choose from a wide variaty of menus like Oriental, Mediterranean, Mexican and International and spend great evenings with their live entertainment.  Discover all the other facilities that Le Méridien Pyramids Hotel & Spa has to offer by visiting their website page above.

Photos © Le Méridien Pyramids Hotel & Spa

Situated in the north of Portugal within 580 meters of altitude, at almost 1 hour away by car from the city of Porto, the Pedras Salgadas Spa & Nature Park is a unique, secluded 4 star resort with more than 100 years old which attract tourists from all over the world thanks to its natural beauty and the power of the thermal water found there. Full of purity, the park is the perfect destination for those whoo enjoy nature and are looking for a relaxing environment that makes you forget about the stress of everyday life.

Besides its Thermal Spa which is a temple of health and wellness in the middle of the nature where you can benefit from their water with unique therapeutic properties, recognized for several decades by the most prestigious national and international scientific community, another attraction that will make your experience unforgettable is related to the seven small Eco-Houses, a new project completed in 2012 under the signature of architects Luís Rebelo de Andrade & Diogo Aguiar.

Nestled amongst the trees of the Pedras Salgadas Spa & Nature Park and totally isolated from the city, the Eco-resort is designed to provide a heavenly experience of rest and harmony with the outside world for those who love experiment natural surroundings in their purest form, whilst maintaining comfort. With a capacity up to 6 people, each eco-house is extremely well designed in a modular prefabrication system but flexible enough to adapt to the specific places within the park, taking on nature in its foundations. Three modules (entrance/bathing – living – sleeping) are combined to create several various spaces unique and special in their design.

Their walls are built with grey slate tiles referring to the local construction traditions and balconies are surrounded with wooden slats, while the cabins with pitched roofs were raised up on stilts in order to have a minimal inpact on the ground. The use of the interior space is very well done, being  very welcoming as well as modern. Divided into bedrooms, lounge, a very well equipped kitchen, bathroom , hall and deck,  they are designed in detail to ensure the utmost comfort supplemented by surrounding scenery of absolute tranquility. They are small but highly functional, with an absolutely trendy décor that pays tribute to the minimalist style. Whether for a family stay or a business retreat, this eco-resort is certainly a great destination to enjoy your holiday. Have a look and if you have any thought regarding this project, please post them in the comment area below.

 Photos © FG + SG

Project details:

Architects: Luís Rebelo de Andrade & Diogo Aguiar
Collaborators: Madalena Rebelo de Andrade, Raquel Jorge, João Jesus
Location: Parque de Pedras Salgadas, Bornes de Aguiar, Portugal
Client: Unicer, Pedras Salgadas Spa & Nature Park
Construction: Modular System
Typology: seven dwellings for eco-resort
Area: 687,96 sqm
Completion: 2012

Known for its innovative approach, sublime design and world-class professionals, the stylish luxury W Montreal Hotel is all you need for a perfect trip to Montreal. Located in the fashionable Citi Internacionale district adjacent to Old Montreal, the hotel offers accomodations, highly-personalized Away® Spa and exquisite modern Italian cuisine, infused with Asian and local “terroir” ingredients with Mediterranean flavors, while promises you to experience Montreal nightlife and entertainment like never before with its amazing bar concept -Wunderbar, envisioned by the creative minds of BPC.

Wunderbar is the centerpiece nightlife destination within the W Montreal Hotel that exudes the outdoors vibrancy whlist offering one-of-a-kind cocktail of local culture. Its dynamic design featuring sleek, contemporary décor, vivid colors and undulating forms is an abstract and modern interpretation of Montreal’s splendid natural surroundings and  its four different seasons. The elegant multi-level lounge is a colorful space with plenty of soft sweeping light that creates an ultra-stylish environment, where guests could enjoy unique cocktails, video projections and inspiring Montreal music.

An enormous light fixture that flows over the space and down and a long wall of silver chain beads sets the mood for whatever tunes the DJ is spinning, transforming the space from a soothing monochromatic environment to a rainbow wonderland with a few quick settings. The sky of wavy illuminated ceiling animate the chic estalishment, ensuring a memorable experience for both hotel guests and international tastemakers. Take a look!

Photos © Stephane Groleau