Sophisticated Spectra

A New Day, A New Branded Beach: Fendi Transforms Puente Romano in Marbella

July 5, 2023 in Travel & Destinations by Charlotte Sinclair

Another day brings another branded beach. This time, luxury fashion house Fendi has left its mark on the sun loungers and umbrellas at a restaurant within the opulent Puente Romano hotel in Marbella. While I'm not the biggest fan of the resort, I must admit that the result is more than commendable.

Hey, Wanna Sleep in Yves Saint Laurent's Old Digs? Get Ready to Empty Those Pockets!

Aug. 8, 2023 in Travel & Destinations by Charlotte Sinclair

Okay, fashionistas, hold onto your designer hats, because this news is BIG. The one and only villa in Tangier, Morocco, where the legendary Yves Saint Laurent (you know, the guy with the fabulous glasses) once lived, is being transformed into a hotel. Yup, you read that right! A. Hotel. 🏨✨

Richard Branson Opens a Stunning New Hotel in Mallorca: Son Bunyola

Aug. 17, 2023 in Travel & Destinations by Charlotte Sinclair

Attention, luxury travel enthusiasts! Richard Branson has unveiled a new gem in the travel world, Son Bunyola, located in the preserved northern part of Mallorca. This region miraculously escaped the construction frenzy of the late 20th century and now stands under UNESCO's protective umbrella.

Nolinkski Hotel Opens in Venice's Historic Stock Exchange Building

Aug. 21, 2023 in Travel & Destinations by Charlotte Sinclair

Nestled in the heart of Venice, in the historic stock exchange building erected in 1929, the latest offering from French luxury brand Nolinkski has opened its doors. The building, now a designated historical monument, is reimagined as a hotel radiating the opulence and elegance of a bygone era.

Rome Cavalieri: A Blend of Nostalgic Grandeur and Modern Art

Aug. 23, 2023 in Travel & Destinations by Charlotte Sinclair

Let's chat about the Rome Cavalieri, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel. Once known as the Hilton, this iconic spot might not scream "modern luxury" to every traveler, and its late modernist façade might not make every architecture enthusiast's heart race. But there's one undeniable charm: its breathtaking view of the Eternal City from atop the Monte Mario hill. A throwback to the unapologetic, old-school opulence of the mid-20th century, it's a trip down luxury lane.

Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp: A High-End Hotel Finally Arrives in the Fashion Capital

Sept. 12, 2023 in Travel & Destinations by Charlotte Sinclair

For a city famous for its contributions to design and fashion, Antwerp surprisingly lacked a truly high-end hotel until the opening of Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp last year. This prestigious property, part of The Leading Hotels Of The World, is situated on the grounds of a monastery and apothecary garden whose history traces back to 1238. Comprising five historic buildings in the city center, the hotel is the result of five years of meticulous work.

The Grand Opening of Raffles London at The OWO: Where History Meets Luxury

Sept. 15, 2023 in Travel & Destinations by Julian Everett

Mark your calendars, travel enthusiasts and history buffs! September 29th will witness the unveiling of one of this year’s most anticipated hotel projects: Raffles London at The OWO.

Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi: A Colonial Gem in French Indochina

March 31, 2024 in Travel & Destinations by Julian Everett

Certainly! Let me tell you about the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi – a magical hotel in Vietnam. 🌟

Royal Mansour Casablanca: A New Landmark of Luxury Hospitality

April 25, 2024 in Travel & Destinations by Charlotte Sinclair

Last week marked a significant milestone in Casablanca's tourism and hospitality landscape with the grand opening of the Royal Mansour Hotel, one of the most anticipated luxury hotels of the year. Casablanca, previously lacking a definitive flagship hotel, now hosts an establishment that sets a new benchmark for luxury—it is undeniably the new number one hotel in the city.

In a peculiar case of theft, a Spanish court has issued a guilty verdict.

May 14, 2024 in Travel & Destinations by Charlotte Sinclair

In October 2021, criminals stole 45 bottles of wine worth €1.6 million from the luxurious hotel and three-star Michelin restaurant Atrio in the city of Cáceres, western Spain.

New Hotel La Fantaisie in Paris Offers Tranquil Retreat Amid Olympic Rush

May 22, 2024 in Travel & Destinations by Charlotte Sinclair

If you're planning a trip to Paris this summer, make sure to add La Fantaisie to your list of must-visit places. This new hotel, located in the serene 9th arrondissement, promises a tranquil retreat in the bustling city, especially valuable during the upcoming Olympic Games.

Hotel du Couvent: A New Gem in Nice's Hospitality Scene

June 10, 2024 in Travel & Destinations by Julian Everett

Hotel du Couvent, a prime example of innovative hospitality, is set to open its doors in Nice, housed within a 400-year-old monastery. This new addition is poised to join the ranks of prestigious monastery hotels worldwide and stand out among Nice's luxury accommodations.

PLAYBOY INTERVIEW: DONALD TRUMP (03/1990)

June 23, 2024 in Arts & Culture by Charlotte Sinclair

A candid conversation with the decades most flamboyant billionaire on deal making, self-promotion, world affairs and how much is enough.

Former Maid Resurrects Abandoned Corsican Hotel, Restoring Its Soul

July 16, 2024 in Travel & Destinations by Charlotte Sinclair

In a heartwarming tale of restoration and entrepreneurship, a once-glamorous hotel on the southern coast of Corsica has been given a new lease on life by an unlikely duo. The Grand Hôtel des Roches Rouges, which had fallen into disrepair and remained shuttered for two decades, has been lovingly revived by a former maid and her husband.

Reverb by Hard Rock Opens in Hamburg: A Transformational Hotel in a Historic Nazi Bunker

July 18, 2024 in Travel & Destinations by Charlotte Sinclair

The most impressive hotel opening of the year has taken place in Hamburg, where the historic Flakturm IV, a former Nazi bunker, has been transformed into the Reverb by Hard Rock hotel.

A New Haven for Wine Lovers in Alentejo: Quinta do Paral Hotel Opens

Aug. 21, 2024 in Travel & Destinations by Charlotte Sinclair

For wine-loving travelers with a taste for luxury, Portugal’s Alentejo region has a new gem to explore—Quinta do Paral Hotel. Often dubbed the "Tuscany of Portugal," Alentejo is now home to this exceptional retreat, brought to life by Dieter Morszeck, the aviation enthusiast and grandson of Rimowa founder, Paul Morszeck.

The Iconic Trousers Named After a Hotel

Sept. 3, 2024 in Fashion & Style by Charlotte Sinclair

In the 1930s, renowned couturier Jean Patou found himself regularly escaping to the sun-kissed shores of Mallorca, where he stayed at the luxurious Formentor Hotel. Nestled in a secluded bay near the town of Pollença, this stunning retreat, opened by a wealthy Argentinian just two months before the Great Depression, quickly became the epitome of opulence. With Limoges porcelain, Baccarat crystal, and hand-embroidered linens, the Formentor was a magnet for the world’s elite, even as economic turmoil claimed its owner.

New Luxury Hotel in Umbria You Shouldn’t Miss

Sept. 5, 2024 in Travel & Destinations by Charlotte Sinclair

A new gem has emerged in Umbria—Borgo dei Conti, a luxurious resort that blends historical charm with modern luxury. This stunning property, managed by renowned hotelier Carlo Babini, whose family owns the Londra Palace in Venice, has transformed from a modest 4-star hotel into a high-end retreat. With 10 rooms and 30 suites, half of which are already open, the resort will be fully completed by next spring.

The Manner: A Bold New SoHo Hotel Redefining Manhattan's Hospitality Scene

Sept. 25, 2024 in Travel & Destinations by Julian Everett

The Manner, the latest addition to Manhattan's vibrant SoHo district, is set to transform the traditional hotel experience with its unique approach to hospitality. Emphasizing a club-like atmosphere, bold color schemes, and a homely environment, The Manner stands out in a city renowned for its eclectic accommodations.

The Plaza Welcomes Its First Four-Legged Guest: The Story of Pinkie-Pankie-Poo

Oct. 23, 2024 in Travel & Destinations by Julian Everett

In 1907, The Plaza Hotel in New York welcomed its first four-legged guest—a nearly blind, toothless 17-year-old Brussels Griffon, reportedly named Pinkie-Pankie-Poo, dressed in a fur coat. The tiny dog belonged to renowned English actress Mrs. Stella Patrick Campbell, who arrived at the hotel with her children, several servants, and about a hundred suitcases. According to ahistoryofdogs, her pet was a gift from King Leopold II of Belgium.

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