Striking architecture and stylised interiors go hand in hand at these world-class escapes.
Striking architecture and stylised interiors go hand in hand at these world-class escapes.
PEAK PANACHE
Devoted James Bond fans will recognise the visually striking restaurant of Das Central in the Austrian Alps: Ice Q doubled as the glass-panelled office of Léa Seydoux’s character in Spectre. High-profile film crews aside, the ski hotel plays host to adrenaline- junkies who come for the towering mountains and guaranteed snow. It’s not all new-age design, either: One of its restaurants is a simple hut on the slopes with tiny doorways and pine tables, serving hearty, local fare. Culinary highlights include chunks of honeycomb at breakfast and a dedicated fondue room.
UNIQUELY SINGAPORE
The sleek, curved façade of the twin towers of DUO has injected an interesting visual focus to Singapore’s skyline. What’s even better is that Andaz Singapore, the local outpost belonging to the luxury brand of hotels by Hyatt, can now be found within this gem. Designed by renowned architect André Fu, Andaz Singapore is filled with touches that mirror the vibrant energy of the surrounding Kampong Glam and Bugis neighbourhoods. Its 342 guest rooms, for example, come with post box-shaped doorbells and brightly-coloured fixtures inspired by traditional shophouses. The hotel has also mastered the art of the perfect nightcap at Mr Stork, a rooftop bar that offers exquisite drinks accompanied by the gentle lull of the breeze, distant hum of traffic and panoramic views of the Garden City.
FRONT OF THE LINE
Situated right by Amsterdam’s Museumplein, the Conservatorium hotel dates back to the 19th century, but has been updated for the modern traveller, thanks to a makeover by Milan-based architect Piero Lissoni. The heritage site remains, upgraded with the addition of a glass atrium and interior courtyard, and an expansive, light-filled lobby where furniture from the likes of Kartell and Cassina sit alongside a curation of stylish tomes. The edit extends to the dining and wellness options: At Taiko, dishes are created using Hida beef reared in Europe; and the Akasha Holistic Wellbeing Centre is a sanctuary where the strains of sightseeing can be soothed.
PHOTOGRAPHY: RUDI WYHLIDAL; INSTAGRAM
