Summer is creeping up on us faster by the day, which means that the dreaded for some and loved by others task of finding the perfect boutique hotel for the vacations is here. By the beach, in a tropical climate, deep in the country, the options are limitless. Even if we don’t know exactly where we want to go, one thing is for sure: we must be surrounded by beautiful design.
Wanting to lend a hand, D5 decided to put together five of the hotels that have caught our eye recently, both for the design and for the amazing landscapes that come with each. Choose one, two, or all of them and make it a world trip, we are sure at least one will catch your eye.
HAY Boutique Hotel and Spa by Edem Family
This five-star hotel is located in Ukraine and has a total of 40 bedrooms, two restaurants, and a luxurious spa. Here, you’ll be surrounded by the ever-green Ukrainian forests, giving you the chance to slow down and enjoy your well-deserved vacation. Although it’s in Ukraine, a country that, as we all know, isn’t safe enough for receiving visitors at the moment, we decided to add this hotel to our list as a “save for later” one.
The hotel offers an unmatched 360-degree view of the Carpathian landscape, allowing each room to have a view of the mountains, no matter the price paid. The designers responsible for the hotel, Yod Group, wanted the hotel to blend with nature, ensuring peace for both the visitors and the environment.
The building’s architecture uniquely resembles a rock covered in plants, as local trees, grasses, strawberries, and blackberries decorate the entire façade, the terraces, and the balconies. As the vision was to create a structure that was one with nature, the plants were planted in the same way nature intended, as some grow at the foot of the mountain, others at the slop, and fewer at the top.
The 6th floor of the hotel offers a much-appreciated surprise: a metal swimming pool. Divided into two parts, the pool lies both on the outside and on the inside of the hotel. One side is more intimate and relaxing, while the other is vibrant and dynamic, as the pool’s glass side allows guests to experience swimming in the open while also enjoying the incredible views that surround them. At the bottom, the pool has round portholes that open up into the 5th floor ceiling, making it one of HAY’s most Instagrammable spots.
HOTEL ENAI
Hotel Enai is located within the Tambopata Natural Reserve near the Madre de Dios River in Peru. The incredible landscape that surrounds it is none other than the lush Amazonian rainforest, giving guests the opportunity to enjoy one of the most genuine places on Earth without giving up on all of the luxuries they deserve.
The name Enai comes from the indigenous way of saying water, earth, and forest, which shows the designers’ wish to craft a hotel deeply connected with the local traditions while also fighting to preserve the local building traditions. JASPER ARCHITECTS, the firm responsible for the design, created a hotel based on elevated structures, like the ones used by the indigenous communities to construct their homes, which not only ensures optimal airflow and minimal impact on the terrain but also shares the local culture with guests.
The hotel was constructed using local natural materials, such as indigenous woods, which allows it to lay perfectly in sync with the environment. The design carefully married vernacular elements with a more contemporary style, showcasing the raw beauty of wood, the rugged elegance of exposed concrete, and the industrial charm of corrugated metal roofs.
Hotel Avándaro
This Mexican hotel was recently renovated because the owners felt like there wasn’t consistency in how guests and the space interacted, as, before, there wasn’t a clear separation between conventioneers, regular guests, and clubhouse members. Chain + Siman and Modo Manera, the designers, carefully redesigned the hotel to cater to the needs of several groups of guests by creating specific areas for each, avoiding the previous confusion.
Such a historical structure posed some challenges, and one was precisely merging the hotel’s rich history with modern design. The solution found by the designers was to update some of the most unique elements of the previous design, such as the sloping roofs and the wooden beams, giving them a more modern look while still keeping their original essence intact. The materials used in the redesign were locally sourced, allowing the hotel to blend with its urban and natural surroundings.
Sustainability and eco-consciousness were pillars in this renovation. Instead of demolishing the existing structure, restoration not only keeps the history of the building alive but also minimises waste. Energy-efficient technology was also used throughout the entire hotel, such as the application of solar panels, and the designers added a system that harvests rainwater, making this an almost self-sufficient hotel.
Fasano Itaim
Fasano Itaim is a Brazilian hotel that belongs to an Italian family devoted to hospitality for three generations, taking on the principles and love of the family itself and sharing them with the guests. Dark with punctual lighting, the studio Studio Mk27 decided to cover the walls of the hotel in Brazilian freijó wood, which gives it a sumptuous look. Complementing the wood, continuous linen curtains diffuse the natural light, crafting a light and warm ambience perfect for any vacation.
Human interaction and intimacy are at the forefront of this hotel, as guests are welcomed by the staff in a long living room that makes you comfortable right from the start. Mid-century pieces are complemented by contemporary designs by Menotti, a famous Italian brand that crafts the best traditional furniture. Studio MK27 also added to the space with their Brasilia sofas, their Super Quadra sideboards, and the Daiki armchair.
Nothing is random in this design, which encourages guests to feel at home and let themselves be involved in the unique tradition formed by blending the best of Italian and Brazilian culture. The lobby and bar share a sober ambience that shifts completely once guests arrive in the restaurant, where cozyness takes over and sunlight is queen.
Inn at SentryWorld
This Winsconsin inn designed by Swaback Architects + Planners, Pllc is located on a prestigious 18-hole golf course and offers guests the utmost comfort and sophistication during their stay. If not for the incredible staff, at least the guests will appreciate the architecture and attention to detail put into the hotel, as the 64 guest suites and higher-level accommodations look luxurious and light-filled.
A single corridor leads guests through the hotel, which allows for bigger suites, and when guests pass through their bedroom door, they are met with natural lighting and huge private balconies overlooking the gold course and the surrounding natural reserve.
The hotel also offers dining options, a bakery, a bar, and a café, efficiently answering every guest’s needs with sophistication always present. Banquet halls also make this hotel the perfect venue for events such as weddings and conferences. A fully equipped fitness centre and children’s club are the cherry on top, as staying here truly means you’ll have nothing to worry about.
