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Thomas Heatherwick Reimagines Longchamp’s Soho Flagship

Stephanie Chen — Mon, 30 Jun 2025 17:55:49 +0000

Longchamp has unveiled its reimagined Soho flagship in New York.

The project reunites the French luxury brand with Thomas Heatherwick, founder of London-based design firm Heatherwick Studio, nearly two decades after he first brought the downtown destination to life as La Maison Unique.

Staying close to the roots

Staying true to the space’s original architectural spirit, the refreshed boutique introduces a bold, contemporary identity shaped by the brand’s commitment to creativity, craftsmanship, and storytelling.

At its core is a striking reinterpretation of Heatherwick’s signature staircase—now rendered in Longchamp’s vibrant Energy Green. Cascading like a steel ribbon, the form guides guests upward in a gentle, promenade-like ascent.

“At Heatherwick Studio, every project begins with a question,” says Neil Hubbard, partner and group leader of Heatherwick Studio. “For the Soho boutique, it was simple: how do we encourage people to journey upward from such a narrow entrance? The answer became a kind of architectural landscape—a staircase that feels like a gentle promenade, with sculptural shelving as a reward once you arrive at the top. It’s a concept sparked years ago during our work on La Maison Unique, and it’s thrilling to see how ideas can evolve over time.”

A lived-in experience at Longchamp

The second-floor retail area takes on the warmth of a thoughtfully curated living room that’s layered with tactile details. Swirling green carpets seem to spill from ceiling to floor, exposed brick nods to Soho’s industrial past, and sculptural furnishings including Raphaël Raffel’s vintage 1970s croissant couch are on display. Contemporary artworks—like ceramics and sculptures by David Nash, Tanaka Tomomi, and Dorothée Loriquet—layer the boutique with texture and reflect Longchamp’s material ethos as well.

Throughout, the design invites guests to linger. Playful details, like a glowing neon rider logo and poetic graffiti by artist André, animate the space, while midcentury modern pieces and archival Longchamp objects—such as leather-trimmed game boards and wooden pipes—anchor the store in the maison’s rich heritage.

“Retail moves fast, but architecture should last,” Hubbard adds. “We wanted to create something bold and joyful, yet warm and timeless—an apartment-like space that invites people to stay. From the swirling green rugs under green-carpeted columns to curved furniture that feels custom but lived-in, everything was designed to feel unified and human. Even the red brick walls downstairs, set to host rotating installations, help ground the space in Soho’s industrial roots while creating room for surprise.”

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Aman Unveils Name of First Luxury Yacht: Amangati

Stephanie Chen — Mon, 30 Jun 2025 16:52:10 +0000

Aman has revealed the name of its first luxury motor yacht: Amangati, which meanings “peaceful motion” in Sanskrit—a fitting moniker for the brand’s debut at sea.

Currently under construction at the T. Mariotti shipyard in Genoa, the 600-foot vessel is slated to set sail in 2027.

Part of the Aman at Sea initiative first announced in 2021, Amangati is being crafted in collaboration with Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design. The name reflects the vessel’s core mission of creating a seamless sense of forward movement and refined tranquility, which echoes the elegant lines and meditative design that will shape the onboard experience.

On board the Amangati

Optimizing privacy and spaciousness, Amangati will feature 47 expansive suites—each with its own private balcony—making them among the largest accommodations found on a yacht of its class.

On board, guests will find a series of elevated amenities, including four international dining concepts, a jazz club, and a serene Aman Spa complete with a Japanese garden. A expansive beach club at the stern will offer direct access to the sea, cementing a connection to the natural surroundings.

Amangati will be powered, in part, by battery technology, as part of Aman’s commitment to minimizing its environmental impact.

Launching in the Mediterranean in summer 2027, the vessel will also be available for private charter.

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The Vanguard Hotel Nods to Local Legacy in Ann Arbor

Stephanie Chen — Mon, 30 Jun 2025 13:00:51 +0000

The Vanguard Hotel, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s Autograph Collection, has opened its doors in Ann Arbor.

Developed by Robert Finvarb Companies and Milford Singer & Company, the property is tailored to today’s individualist traveler through an elevated design by DLR Group that celebrates the Michigan city’s storied university culture.

Guestrooms at the Vanguard Hotel

Located adjacent to the University of Michigan campus, the 188-room property—which spans 24 one-bedroom suites (10 of which feature dual king beds)—is rooted in academic heritage and modern sophistication. Select suites offer private patios with city views and lounge seating as well.

A nature-inspired dining destination

Anchoring the hotel’s F&B offerings is La Serre, a French-inspired brasserie that channels the spirit of naturalist John James Audubon.

With its airy, botanical-forward interiors and two private dining spaces, the restaurant serves as a central gathering point for both locals and visitors.

Meetings with a view

The Vanguard also introduces more than 11,000 square feet of event space across five meeting rooms, all designed to maximize natural light through floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook Ann Arbor’s evolving skyline.

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Capito Café Brings Eclectic Charm to the Heart of Bishkek

Stephanie Chen — Fri, 27 Jun 2025 13:30:27 +0000

Located on the ground floor of a residential building in central Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, Capito emerges as a new café that blends vintage European charm, Grecian influences, and contemporary design.

Blended influences at Capito

Designed by Jamal Ramis Design Bureau, the 3,765-square-foot café spans two levels, with a sense of flow and openness enhanced by a thoughtfully executed layout.

On the ground floor, guests are welcomed into a space defined by a seating area and open bar, while an upper level hosts an open kitchen and additional dining space. A cozy outdoor terrace further expands the café’s footprint, encouraging guests to linger and connect.

This duality of inspiration is reflected throughout the café’s eclectic interior design. Soft beige walls, classic columns, and 19th- and 20th-century Viennese chairs sit alongside Morris tapestry-inspired fabrics, a piano inherited from previous tenants, and curated artwork with Grecian motifs. Decorative shelving lined with tableware and newspapers adds both function and storytelling, while soft curtains lend a residential warmth.

A palette of orange, green, and deep red injects contrast and energy—complementing the café’s darker wood furnishings and textured plaster walls—while concrete columns and painted floor introduce industrial undertones.

“When I began working on the concept of the project, my mind was filled with images of European cafés and restaurants that embody the spirit of history, vintage charm, and refined elegance,” says Jamal Ramisova, founder of the eponymous studio. “At the same time, I envisioned monumental structures of Greece, where ornamental motifs from ancient art inspired me to create a unique space. I wanted to craft an atmosphere of coziness without losing touch with modernity.”

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Hotel del Coronado Completes $550 Million Restoration

Stephanie Chen — Fri, 27 Jun 2025 13:00:29 +0000

Hotel del Coronado, a National Historic Landmark in California, has completed the final phase of a more than $550 million property-wide restoration led by Blackstone Real Estate.

The ambitious, multi-year revitalization culminates with the transformation of the resort’s iconic Victorian building, marking the most comprehensive upgrade in the hotel’s 136-year history.

The completion of the Victorian Neighborhood encompassed a restoration of its front porch and main entry experience, enhancements to all guestrooms, a full redesign of the garden courtyard, refreshed event spaces (including the legendary Crown Room), and the debut of two new dining destinations: Nobu Del Coronado and Veranda, an al fresco restaurant with ocean views.

The project brought together a roster of architecture and design talent. Wimberly Interiors, in partnership with WATG, led the overall design concept. GSB Inc. and Burton Landscape Architecture Studio served as the architects for the Victorian Garden Courtyard, while David Marshall of Heritage Architecture & Planning provided historical consultation throughout the restoration.

Guestrooms that honor history

Each of the revamped guestrooms within the Victorian building is unique, reflecting the structure’s original character. The interiors are characterized by a Victorian-era style that takes a brighter, modern approach via lighter floral patterns, woven cane and wicker accents, and rich wood tones.

Headboards crafted from woven vinyl raffia reinterpret classic silhouettes, while floral wallcoverings and antique-style furnishings nod to the surrounding gardens. Bathrooms feature checkerboard marble floors and vanities reminiscent of antique washstands.

Chinoiserie-inspired lamps, vintage-style light fixtures, trims, and tassels add romantic layers. Meanwhile, a curated art program of black-and-white botanical photography and reinterpreted vintage sketches offers a fresh take on Victorian charm.

New F&B concepts at Hotel del Coronado

The hotel’s renovation comes with the debut of two culinary experiences. Veranda, designed to honor the hotel’s historic wraparound porch, channels breezy elegance with open-air seating and uninterrupted ocean views. This new concept nods to the hotel’s original 20-foot-wide veranda, which once wrapped around the entire building.

Nobu Del Coronado, a coastal outpost of the iconic Japanese restaurant, spans 3,700 square feet with 156 seats. Featuring a dedicated eight-seat sushi bar and a 12-seat Pagoda Bar, the venue pairs Nobu’s signature minimalism with the hotel’s historic setting to create a refined, indoor-outdoor destination.

Event spaces and garden courtyard

The hotel’s ballrooms—the Crown Room, Coronet Room, and Ocean Ballroom—have all been meticulously restored. Wood floors, doors, balconies, and an 1888 fresco uncovered in the Ocean Ballroom were all preserved.

In addition, the central courtyard has been faithfully returned to its original layout. Historic walkways and pergolas were reinstated, and the Naiad Queen Fountain—a beloved feature lost in 1912—has been brought back to life with a bronze reproduction crafted by Carapace Arts using molds from a J.L. Mott Iron Works original.

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The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe Emerges From Renovation

Stephanie Chen — Wed, 25 Jun 2025 12:45:21 +0000

Following a two-year, resort-wide transformation, the Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe has unveiled reimagined interiors across its guestrooms and public spaces.

The property, originally opened in 2009, now blends modern elegance with the rugged serenity of its alpine surroundings.

A grounded design narrative

Surrounded by towering pines and sweeping slope-side vistas, the redesign—led by Premier and the Johnson Studio at Cooper Carry—draws upon the raw textures and natural hues of the Tahoe landscape.

Earth tones, wood accents, and panoramic windows define the 170 upgraded guestrooms and suites, while the Ritz-Carlton Residences provide multi-bedroom accommodations with full kitchens, expansive decks, and fireplaces ideal for family gatherings.

The bar at Manzanita

Gathering spaces with soul

Public spaces have been reimagined for warmth and connection. The Living Room Lodge, formerly the main lounge, now features plush seating, a roaring fireplace, and a dramatic U-shaped marble bar framed by floor-to-ceiling windows. A striking crystal chandelier embedded with pressed wildflowers anchors the room, offering a nod to the surrounding wilderness.

Dining has also been elevated with the refresh of Manzanita, the resort’s signature restaurant. Exposed stone walls, timber ceiling beams, and a central fireplace set a refined, rustic tone, while the oval bar provides a communal space to sip and linger.

New ways to unwind the Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe

In addition to the revitalized fitness center, which now includes a yoga deck with panoramic views, the resort introduces two Topgolf Swing Suites—immersive sports simulators designed for all ages.

A new retail concept, the Alpine Exchange Boutique, and upgraded pool cabanas further round out the guest experience.

Top Golf Swing Suite

Living Room Lodge

A cozy seating area in the Living Room Lodge

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The Hoxton Lands in Edinburgh’s West End

Stephanie Chen — Wed, 25 Jun 2025 12:30:54 +0000

The Hoxton has made its Scotland debut with the opening of the Hoxton, Edinburgh in the city’s vibrant West End.

Designed by AIME Studios (Ennismore’s in-house design studio), the hotel transforms 11 Georgian-inspired townhouses into a layered and lively destination that blends heritage charm with signature Hoxton style.

A warm welcome

Lobby seating area

A warm, eclectic spirit welcomes guests upon arrival. The lobby features layered materials and vintage-inspired textures, with white-and-gray checkerboard tiling, scalloped detailing, and timber parquet flooring guiding the flow. A vintage amber Murano glass chandelier suspends above, while inviting nooks and midcentury lounge chairs create moments for pause.

The brass-wrapped lobby bar—accented by peach tile and mirrored beer taps—nods to traditional taprooms, and a five-seat screening room tucked just off the space offers a cozy cinematic retreat with burgundy velvet seating.

A tapestry by local artist Jasmine Linington and a custom mural by Verity Woolley add a tactile touch as well.

Guestrooms at the Hoxton, Edinburgh

Biggy Up guestroom

The 214 accommodations, spread across nine room categories, draw from the building’s Georgian roots. AIME preserved original details—such as cornicing, sash windows, and soaring ceilings—while introducing playful modern elements, like raspberry-hued headboards, brushed brass fixtures, and midcentury chandeliers.

Walls are painted in contrasting sage tones, divided by a dado rail, with whimsical details like pineapple-shaped coat hooks and fringe-skirted armchairs that add a playful contrast to the classical backdrop.

Bathrooms feature white subway tiles, octagon-and-dot flooring, and vintage-inspired brass fixtures. Select rooms include skylights for a stargazing moment while soaking.

F&B and events

Patatino restaurant

Anchoring the F&B offerings is Patatino, a trattoria-style restaurant that channels the leisurely spirit of long Italian lunches. Inspired by the Amalfi Coast and styled with theatrical flair, the space features mirror motifs, striped awnings, floral prints, and a dramatic Baroque-style fountain surrounded by banquettes. Rich textures and jewel-toned finishes—including deep blue velvet, green corduroy, and hot pink accents—conjure a layered, romantic setting.

Tailored to Edinburgh’s cultural and architectural grandeur, the Hoxton offers two distinct event concepts. The Get Together, a 3,230-square-foot, ballroom-style venue with a private bar and built-in stage, can host up to 250 guests. Concertina doors allow the space to be split for smaller gatherings.

Meanwhile the Apartment, a hallmark of Hoxton properties, comprises four flexible rooms surrounding a communal pantry with a kitchen that transitions into a bar by evening. Located on the ground floor, the space features herringbone parquet flooring, khaki green accents, and oversized bay windows that flood the interiors with natural light.

The Apartment pantry room

The Get Together event space

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Aman Rosa Alpina to Open in the Italian Dolomites Next Month

Stephanie Chen — Tue, 24 Jun 2025 15:09:52 +0000

A major transformation is underway for Rosa Alpina, a historic mountain retreat in San Cassiano, located within Italy’s UNESCO-protected Dolomites.

Reopening next month as Aman Rosa Alpina, the property will be completely reimagined by architect Jean-Michel Gathy of Denniston to blend timeless design with the Aman brand’s signature aesthetic.

Reemerging as an Aman property

The refurbishment, which marks the full integration of Rosa Alpina into the Aman portfolio, will honor the Pizzinini family’s legacy while enhancing the hotel’s sense of place through natural materials, tactile surfaces, and a focus on spatial serenity. Local timber, blackened metal, and Dolomite stone frame the interiors, including a new double-height lobby anchored by a bespoke bar that nods to the hotel’s original piano bar.

Aman Rosa Alpina’s guestrooms and suites have also been entirely redesigned, and two new Aman Suites, each spanning 1,615 square feet, have been added.

Additionally, the property’s Chalet Zeno has been reconfigured to feature two expanded suites, providing an exclusive 3,014-square-foot retreat for up to four guests.

Dining and amenities at Aman Rosa Alpina

Dining takes centerstage with a suite of new culinary offerings: an Italian grill, an all-day lounge for tea and cocktails, a dedicated breakfast room with live cooking stations, a cigar lounge with aged spirits, and a private wine library for intimate tastings. A Japanese restaurant is slated to debut during the winter season as well.

Additional facilities to be unveiled include a new Aman Spa—with three swimming pools (two indoor, one outdoor), a Jacuzzi, and treatments inspired by the Dolomites’ natural restorative properties—along with game rooms, three private cinemas, and a Ski Lounge equipped with heated boot racks and curated rentals.

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1 Hotel Melbourne Debuts Along the Yarra River

Stephanie Chen — Tue, 24 Jun 2025 13:15:15 +0000

1 Hotels has unveiled its latest sustainable luxury property along Melbourne’s waterfront. It includes 277 guestrooms, 36 suites, and 114 private residences under the 1 Homes brand.

Designed by FK Architecture and One Design Office in collaboration with Starwood Capital Group’s in-house team, the project integrates history, nature, and wellness into the new Seafarers mixed-use development.

Anchoring the property is the heritage-listed Goods Shed No. 5, a late-19th-century building that played a crucial role in Melbourne’s early maritime trade.

The asymmetrical façade nods to the site’s past with lower glazing that echoes the shed’s original panels and upper windows that reflect the rippling surface of the Yarra River. More than 2,000 living plants cascade throughout the hotel, blurring the lines between indoors and out.

In the 1 Hotel Melbourne lobby, natural and reclaimed materials set the tone: a reception desk crafted from fallen trees, furnishings made from salvaged timber, and restored elements from the Goods Shed No. 5 conjure a sense of place and history. The arrival experience is anchored by a dramatic rock wall constructed from split-faced granite, an industrial by-product that echoes Victoria’s coastal geology

Guestrooms and residences at 1 Hotel Melbourne

The hotel’s accommodations feature floor-to-ceiling windows with river or city views. Headboards crafted from reclaimed timber railway bridges, preserved moss-paneled doors, and room numbers etched into salvaged wharf wood nod to the site’s maritime legacy as well.

In addition to the rooms and suites, 1 Hotel Melbourne boasts 114 hotel-branded homes with exclusive services such as chef-catered private dinners and in-residence spa treatments. The 18th floor penthouse—designed by Riverlee founder Clement Lee OAM in collaboration with Fender Katsalidis—provides access to a private outdoor terrace, lounge, library, and dining space with sweeping views of the river and the skyline.

Dining and amenities

Dining options include signature restaurant From Here by Mike, Neighbours grab-and-go café, and Upstairs, a hidden cocktail bar on the first floor—all echoing 1 Hotels’ commitment to hyperlocal and nature-inspired experiences.

The 1,000-square-meter Seafarers Event Space can host up to 900 guests, complemented by flexible meeting rooms, a boardroom, and a river-facing lounge.

Wellness is also central to the guest experience, with amenities such as the Field House Gym, indoor pool, sauna, steam room, Jacuzzi-style spa, and a Bamford Wellness Spa.

From Here by Mike

1 Hotel Melbourne’s commitment to sustainability

Sustainability is woven throughout the property, which is targeting LEED Silver certification. Integrations include lush, biophilic elements; reclaimed materials to advanced air quality systems; and a zero-waste partnership with Foodprint Group. Single-use plastics have also been eliminated in favor of reusable and compostable alternatives.

In addition, nearly 2,000 reclaimed bluestone pavers form pathways throughout the hotel, while restored trusses and timber from local rail bridges and wharfs maintain the site’s industrial character.

“At 1 Hotels, we believe that luxury and sustainability can—and should—go hand in hand,” says Barry Sternlicht, founder of 1 Hotels and chairman of Starwood Hotels. “With 1 Hotel Melbourne, we’ve created a waterfront destination that immerses guests in nature while celebrating the city’s rich legacy and forward-thinking spirit.”

“This hotel isn’t just about where you stay—this is about how you feel, how you connect, and how travel can inspire a deeper commitment to the world around us,” he adds. “The water inspires calm and serenity, which is what our brand is meant to convey: an oasis for travelers to escape the rigors of travel.”

Penthouse Suite

City Reserve Suite

Pool

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Hyatt Acquires Playa Hotels & Resorts

Stephanie Chen — Tue, 24 Jun 2025 13:00:43 +0000

Hyatt Hotels Corporation has officially acquired Playa Hotels & Resorts, a move that strengthens its position in the all-inclusive hospitality market.

The addition of the Playa portfolio

The transaction includes 15 properties across Mexico, the Dominican Republic, and Jamaica. (Eight of which were already managed under Hyatt’s Ziva and Zilara brands.)

With the acquisition, Hyatt welcomes several high-profile resorts into its Inclusive Collection portfolio, including Secrets La Romana and Dreams La Romana in the Dominican Republic, Dreams Rose Hall in Montego Bay, and Hyatt Vivid Playa del Carmen and Sunscape Cancun in Mexico.

“Playa has spent nearly two decades building a reputation for delivering outstanding all-inclusive experiences,” says Bruce Wardinski, departing chairman and CEO of Playa Hotels & Resorts. “This acquisition is a natural evolution of our longstanding relationship with Hyatt, and we’re confident these outstanding resorts will continue to flourish under its leadership.”

Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta

Hyatt’s all-inclusive evolution

Hyatt’s relationship with Playa began in 2013 with the debut of its first all-inclusive brands, Hyatt Ziva and Hyatt Zilara, and has since grown through a series of strategic expansions. In 2021, the hospitality group boosted its global presence with the acquisition of Apple Leisure Group.

In 2024, a joint venture with Grupo Piñero introduced the Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts to Hyatt’s portfolio, further signaling its commitment to the segment.

“As we welcome Playa into the Hyatt family, we are strengthening our leadership in the all-inclusive space through a combination of new locations, capabilities, and talent,” says Mark Hoplamazian, president and CEO of Hyatt. “Playa’s all-inclusive management platform complements Hyatt’s global scale and brand strength, enabling us to deliver compelling experiences for guests and members while driving strong performance for owners.”

Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana

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