1. ANDAZ MEXICO CITY CONDESA
Condesa, Mexico
The new Andaz Mexico City Condesa sits in a charming urban community radiating history and culture. The hotel is housed within the historic ‘i421 Live District’ which was designed by famed architect José Luis Galán - credited with bringing Art Deco architecture to Mexico City. The interiors of the 213 rooms are a nod to Galàn’s vibrant style, pairing a modern edge with Art Deco design. Playful elements like a magenta staircase, hot pink walls and saffron sofas, are indicative of the surrounding vibrant community. Curated artwork found in each guestroom evokes a sense of place, from mosaic-tile headboards that pay homage to the building’s significance to papier-mâché piñata figurines made by local artisans.
Byredo toiletries, a workstation and a minibar filled with Mexican snacks from local companies complement the in-room offerings. Record players with vinyl collections that can be exchanged in the lobby library also feature in each room as a tribute to the neighbourhood’s oldest record store. The hotel’s year-round heated rooftop pool offers phenomenal views, while the Wooftop Beer Garden and Canine Club is inspired by the dog-friendly nature of the Condesa. In keeping with the area’s reputation as the city’s culinary capital, the dining venues celebrate traditional dishes and methods of cooking.
2. RITZ CARLTON, BAKU
Baku, Azerbaijan
The recently launched Ritz-Carlton, Baku invites guests to immerse themselves in the country’s fascinating culture. Located across from the Heydar Aliyev Center, an architectural icon that was designed by the legendary Zaha Hadid, the 33-storey hotel offers 190 rooms including the largest presidential suite in the city. The country’s unique cultural narrative, which blends East and West, has been woven into the fabric of the property, which is designed by Kristina Zanic Design Consultants. Interiors take inspiration from the destination and artfully combine modern hospitality with history, art, and culture, with decorative details reflecting patterns and colours that represent Baku. Dining is a culinary journey at the hotel, with the all-day dining venue, Tribeca, serving classic New York and contemporary Californian cuisine. Leisure facilities include a bespoke Club Lounge and signature Ritz-Carlton Spa complete with two indoor swimming pools, treatment rooms, an outdoor garden space, and a fitness centre. The hotel’s cultural experiences include a daily music performance with a Whaletone piano and traditional Azerbaijani music, accompanied by a local dancer.
3. MONDRIAN SINGAPORE DUXTON
Duxton Hill, Singapore
Becoming Singapore’s new home of art-forward cool, the Mondarin Singapore Duxton is strategically located in the city’s most happening precinct. Designed from the ground up by Los Angeles-based hot shop Studio Carter, the property is imbued with a philosophy of ‘deconstructed shophouse chic’. Eschewing the traditional lobby, the space fully immerses guests in a bustling restaurant and bar from the moment they arrive. The 302 rooms and suites take inspiration from traditional Singaporean architecture, executed with contemporary flair with touchpoints reflecting Singapore’s rich melting pot of cultures and trade routes.
The in-house art collection complements the design narrative by featuring pieces by both emerging and established Singaporean and international artists. Dining outlets combine historic architecture from Singapore’s centuries-old shophouses with a contemporary twist. Dario Cecchini, known as the world’s best butcher, will preside over the flagship Italian dining experience, Bottega di Carna. Inspired by the wild nature of Southeast Asia, the Jungle Ballroom is a tropical cocktail bar pulsing with mystique and glamour. At the poolside rooftop bar, guests will be transported to the glitz and glamour of 1970s Hollywood, while the in-house artisan boutique, Christina’s, transforms into a devoted wine and cocktail haven.
4. NOBU HOTEL, MARRAKECH
Marrakech, Morocco
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The Nobu brand’s first foray into Africa, Nobu Hotel Marrakech is perfectly situated in the fashionable ‘Golden Triangle’, just steps from the charming, historic heart of the city, souks, vibrant Medina and Djemaa el-Fna square. Taking over the former Pearl Marrakech in the city’s Hivernage district, the interiors have had a full refresh, overhauled in the elegant Japanese-inspired aesthetic Nobu is known and loved for, fused with Moroccan craftsmanship. The all-suite property houses 71 suites split across three floors, each with views of North Africa’s Atlas Mountain range or Koutoubia Mosque. Designed within the curvaceous architecture, The Pearl Spa, offers respite from the fast-paced streets outside and offers guests an on-theme Hammam treatment alongside a heated indoor swimming pool, Jacuzzis, steam baths, saunas, a gym, and a hair salon.
With its own private entrance, DJ deck and poolside terrace the Nobu Restaurant and Bar serves signature dishes alongside new plates created by Chef Nobu Matsuhisa, using locally sourced flavours and ingredients. The Rooftop is centred around a circular pool and affords 360-degree views of the city including the old city walls surrounding the Medina district. The Rooftop restaurant houses a Nobu sushi bar, besides a daily selection of seasonal Moroccan and Mediterranean dishes.
