1. CAN FERRERETA
Mallorca, Spain
Hidden away in the quiet town of Santanyi in southern Mallorca, Can Ferrereta is an urban hideaway that feels like a rural escape. Verdant gardens and tall cypress trees surround the 17th century townhouse, which has been meticulously restored by homegrown BASTIDAS Architecture to create a 32-room rustic chic boutique. Spanish design firm WIT has layered the interiors with contrasting textures and materials: old wooden beams and original stonework that work in harmony with modern, bespoke furnishings and a collection of contemporary art from local and Spanish artists.
Most of the rooms and suites boast private patios and terraces overlooking the Mediterranean gardens, which are bursting with bougainvillea and jasmine, while the signature Pool Suite has its own idyllic garden and pool. Treatments at SA CALMA SPA are infused with natural local products – rosemary and lavender, oranges from nearby Sóller and microalgae and sea mud from the Med – as well as bespoke products from Anne Semonin. It’s a similarly homegrown affair at OCRE, where simple seasonal dishes will be packed with local produce and a market day lunch menu will showcase the best of what the island has to offer.
2. THE ST. REGIS ALMASA
Cairo, Egypt
Egypt’s New Administrative Capital is quickly rising from the desert east of Cairo, forming a new hub for the country’s ministerial departments and government bodies, as well as the raft of businesses that are surging into the area. St. Regis has chosen the burgeoning city as the site for its second hotel in Egypt; The St. Regis Almasa, a gleaming collection of 360 rooms and suites, 60 private apartments and 14 villas. All of the guestrooms benefit from the legendary St. Regis Butler Service and feature private balconies or patios overlooking the swimming pool, which is surrounded by the elegant neo-classical architecture of this sprawling hotel. Soaring windows allow daylight to flood into the Café Royal lobby lounge, where St Regis’ signature Afternoon Tea is served daily. Traditional Italian dishes are brought to life at La Sponda, and a collection of new restaurants and dining experiences is set to be announced soon.
Trio Club House is home to a Moroccan hammam and fitness centre, spa, indoor and outdoor pools and an artificial beach. The focal point, however, is the Almasa Convention Centre, where global summits and international events will help shape the future of this rapidly changing country.
3. W OSAKA
Osaka, Japan
The black, monolithic façade of W Osaka belies the bright and opulent welcome that awaits inside, as W makes its long-awaited debut in Japan. Designed by Osaka-born architect Tadao Ando, the minimalist exterior gives way to a vibrant vision of neon lights and colourful spaces within, paying tribute to Japan’s Edo period, during which wealthy merchants disguised their affluence in public but showed off their riches in private. Inside, Amsterdam-based design studio concrete has created a vibrant world of striking design and vivid colours.
Japanese themes and imagery are reflected throughout, from the striking LIVING ROOM, inspired by traditional Japanese Kawaii Kokeshi wooden dolls, to the alternating pink and blue colour themes on each floor, reflecting Japan’s colourful cherry blossoms and the deep blue seas that surround the island nation. Among the 337 guestrooms and suites, the 27th floor Extreme WOW Penthouse Suite reigns supreme, with artwork by Dutch textile artist Sigrid Calon, whose work has been exhibited at MoMa in New York, and a huge chrome bathtub in the form of a reimagined champagne bucket. Whimsical touches abound, from the Zen-inspired Garden Room that welcomes guests into the suite, to the built-in DJ booth, making this the ultimate party pad. And of course, you’ll also find W signature touches like AWAY SPA and the poolside WET BAR: one of six bars and restaurants that make W Osaka a must-visit next time you’re in town.
4. INIALA HARBOUR HOUSE & RESIDENCES
Valletta, Malta
Four traditional townhouses set atop the fortified walls of St Barbara Bastion in Valletta will emerge from a major transformation this month as Iniala Harbour House & Residences, bringing a heady blend of high design and first-class hospitality to the Maltese capital. The buildings have been brought back to life by three independent design studios – A-cero from Madrid, Istanbul-based Autoban and homegrown DAAA HAUS from Birkirkara – creating an eclectic collection of indoor spaces that blend Valletta’s rich heritage with contemporary touches.
Among the 23 rooms and suites, The Residences stand out as the cream of the crop, with unique features such as Maltese balconies, outdoor terraces and private courtyards with plunge pools, while The Hideaway offers a self-contained home-from-home, with two rooms and two suites spread across five floors. The hotel is situated just above the walls of the UNESCO World Heritage listed city, with deep vaults built into the rock that contain Iniala Spa and its underground pool, and a panoramic rooftop that’s home to ION – The Harbour. Here, chef Andrew Borg will work culinary magic, with a daily changing four-course dinner menu.
