By Neha Mehrotra
21-Aug-2024
“I don’t design clothes; I design dreams," said Ralph Lauren.
Ephemeral, enigmatic, and enchanting, fashion has always gone beyond the clothes we wear, and in the post-pandemic era it has extended far beyond the runway, making its mark in the realm of luxury hospitality. These luxury hotels, created by some of the world's most iconic fashion houses, transcend traditional hospitality, offering an experience where every detail echoes style and sophistication. We explore 8 stunning hotels designed by the world’s premier fashion houses.
1. LVMH, Cheval Blanc, Saint Tropez
Formerly known as La Résidence de la Pinède, the Cheval Blanc does its absolute best to redefine what luxury means. After all, St. Tropez, the French Riviera's crown jewel, is the only place where you can stroll through a quaint village in the morning and splurge on designer goods by noon. This Côte d’Azur Maison has 30 rooms in total, ranging from the courtyard double up to the four-bedroom, private pool, Villa Riviera. The true highlight is the Michelin-starred dining at La Vague d’Or, where you can feast on an extensive caviar and Champagne tasting menu, courtesy of Chef Arnaud Donckele. Last but not least, you are given the luxury to softly slip into Tropezian time at the Guerlain Spa.
2. Bvlgari Resorts, Dubai
Bvlgari, the Italian jewellery titan, has firmly established itself as a major player in luxury hospitality. Designed by Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel, this chic resort channels the charm of a Mediterranean village, boasting 101 rooms and 20 villas with breathtaking views of the sea, marina, or skyline. Each room and suite is furnished with the finest Italian luxury pieces, while the bathrooms are clad in Carrara marble and stocked with, naturally, Bvlgari bath products. Beyond its stunning accommodations, Bvlgari Dubai stands out as the brand's first property with its own harbour and yacht club. The resort also offers a range of exceptional dining experiences, from the Michelin-starred Il Ristorante – Niko Romito to the beachside La Spiaggia, the stylish Lobby, the exclusive Bvlgari Yacht Club Dubai Restaurant, and the intimate Hoseki.
3. Armani Hotel, Milan
From the moment you glide through the hotel’s minimalist lobby, where every line and curve seems to echo Giorgio Armani’s iconic design philosophy, you’re enveloped in an atmosphere of understated elegance. Each of the 95 rooms are pure couture. The beds are draped in the finest linens, and the bathrooms are clad in Italian marble, of course. Armani Signature Suite, meanwhile, houses a cinema and a sweeping staircase that conjures visions of celebrities slinking down the steps in tailored Armani Privé gowns. The hotel’s dining offerings are nothing short of extraordinary, with a rooftop restaurant that offers not only gourmet cuisine but also jaw-dropping views of Milan’s skyline. For those who need to unwind, the Armani Spa features 1,000 square metres of peace and quiet, with six treatment rooms, personal fitness sessions, steam and sauna experiences, and a relaxation pool. There’s also a private shopping experience available at the flagship store.
4. Ralph Lauren’s Round Hill Hotels & Villas, Jamaica
Nestled on a secluded peninsula in Montego Bay, Jamaica, the 36 oceanfront rooms and 27 private villas designed by the one villa owner, Ralph Lauren, are set in a sprawling 110-acre lush estate. The legendary designer has sprinkled his signature touch across the resort, from the crisp white linens to the elegant plantation-style décor, making it the epitome of high-end relaxation. The villas offer private pools, spacious terraces, and views that could make a postcard jealous. Whether you’re sipping a rum punch by the infinity pool or enjoying a dinner at the Flagship restaurant at Round Hill (also designed by Ralph Lauren), where farm-to-table takes on a whole new meaning, you’ll be wrapped in an aura of understated elegance. The designer also curated the interiors of the spa.
5. Audemars Piguet’s Hotel des Horlogers, Switzerland
Owned by the luxury Swiss brand Audemars Piguet, the hotel’s glass façade establishes the fluid relationship between space and habitat achieved through its design innovation. The 50 rooms and suites imagined by the architect firm Bjarke Ingels open to the view of the surrounding Risoud Forest, which borders the Vallée de Joux. The interiors designed by AU*M exude a contemporary feel, with bespoke furnishings in neutral tones made of local materials. An excellent spa awaits at the Spa Alpeor. The avant-garde glass spiral-shaped pavilion of Musee Atelier lures connoisseurs of luxury watches, showcasing some 300 timepieces.
6. Fendi Private Suites, Rome
If you're dreaming of an Italian escape, look no further than Fendi Private Suites in Rome. Tucked inside Fendi's flagship boutique on Via dei Condotti, these seven exclusive suites offer an unparalleled experience. Imagine waking up in the heart of the Eternal City, with the iconic Spanish Steps just a short stroll away, and having a whole world of couture right downstairs. Each suite is a chic blend of contemporary design and timeless elegance, with custom-made Fendi Casa furniture, velvet drapes, and marble bathrooms. Plus, the personalised service ensures you feel like a VIP, from the moment you check in to the moment you reluctantly check out.
7. Dior Suite at The St. Regis New York
Step into the Dior Suite at The St. Regis New York, and you'll find yourself immersed in a world of Parisian elegance. The suite captures the very essence of Dior, with every detail meticulously curated to reflect the brand's timeless sophistication. Adorned with custom-designed furnishings, soft grey hues, and plush fabrics, the space radiates an inviting luxury that encourages relaxation and indulgence. Floor-to-ceiling windows provide sweeping views of Manhattan and Central Park, while gold leaf accents and Louis XVI-style furniture evoke the charm of the Parisian fashion house. The dining room is a standout, featuring an expansive map of Paris, dining chairs with playful ruffled rose accents, and a signature Dior bow mirror. With double sinks, a deep-soaking jetted tub, a separate rain shower, and heated tile floors, the Italian marble master bathroom is a true sanctuary of luxury. The pièce de résistance is the stunning Central Park view, offering a tranquil and picturesque setting for your stay.
8. Coco Chanel Suite, The Ritz Paris
The Coco Chanel Suite at The Ritz Paris is a lavish homage to the iconic fashion designer herself. Every detail whispers elegance and sophistication, from the opulent furnishings to the refined colour palette of beige, black, and gold. The suite is adorned with Coco Chanel’s personal style, featuring Coromandel lacquer screens, velvet sofas, and grand chandeliers. Overlooking the Place Vendôme, the space combines timeless Parisian charm with luxurious comfort. The suite also boasts a marble bathroom with a deep soaking tub, ensuring an indulgent experience.
Cover Credits : Ritz Paris
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