Maison d’Ulysse: Guest house with Mediterranean charm

The Maison d’Ulysse is an historic 17th century fortified farmhouse in the South of France and bears the name of one of its former owners, the archaeologist and poet Ulysse Dumas. Dumas (1872-1909) is a major figure in local history. He made important archaeological discoveries about the prehistoric settlement of the region. Since that time, the farmhouse and its garden have retained a great deal of their poetry, as can be seen from the mulberry trees, ancient oaks and fig trees which border the property. Today, the house – which is listed by the “Fondation du Patrimoine” heritage foundation, with a label for its historical value – is one of France’s finest high-class guest houses.

Inside, you will be immersed in the magic of the house, which has been restored with due respect for its authenticity. Settle down in the comfort of your luxury guest house room and rest in the coolness of its natural limewashed walls. You will be charmed by the contemporary decoration, combining modernity of lines and sobriety of materials, from the Baron Perché room to the Chant du Mûrier suite. Round-off your well-being stay with a swim in the magnificent swimming pool, before relaxing in the spa area and Turkish bath. Then take a stroll in the Mediterranean dry gardens, where luxuriant perennials, shrubs and climbing plants grow side by side.

To stay at the beautiful La Maison d’Ulysse, prices range from $160 – $400 per night, from here.

Historically preserved mansion gets eclectic makeover

A true mansion, originally from 1922, with preserved architecture and full of details that reveal a rare magnificence, is the headquarters of the 22nd Edition of Casa Cor Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. With very high ceilings and large windows, the beautiful and famous building has been designed in an eclectic style with over 5,400 square meters of constructed area, divided into 52 environments, with about 80 professionals that have demonstrated that it is possible to renew with style, but without deleting the marks of time. The building was once a Boarding School of Nursing Anna Nery (1926 – 1973) and the College Student House (1973 – 1995). Here, past, present and future coexist in harmony. Enjoy the amazing photos of interior design and architecture!

The hotel’s lounge is a a 130 square meters balanced composition between pieces of diverse styles by architect Gisele Taranto. Imperfections were left on the floor, walls and frames as a way to rescue the memory of the mansion. The space also gathers pieces of art selected by curator Mara Fainziliber. Maneco Quinderé did the lighting.

The ceiling received a new structure made of corten steel and polycarbonate below the existing one, creating a semi-transparent layer that allows a partial view of it in its real condition.

Gisele also created a “book wall”, using books as bricks to complete part of a missing wall, making reference to the works of the german Hubertus Gojowczyk.

Lobby/reception. Hot pink walls contrast with the old, original elements of the property, in the environment of architect Pedro Paranaguá. Italian sofa, fitted with low modules and loose, reaffirm the contemporary twist. The Wave of Italian lamp Foscarini, bring movement to the high ceiling, with apparent frame. With organic form, the sculpture of Gabriela Maciel finished off the decor.

SPA Deca. The Tunisian marble floor tilts and turns into a ramp where they were carved lounge chairs and a niche for candles and books. Creativity excelled in architect Miguel Pinto Guimarães Playbook. He also designed a concrete Pergola which looks like a lace, in partnership with the artist Fabian Benicio. Among the decorative objects, Italian pads Lisa Corti and Alice Felzenszwalb ceramics give touches of color along the vertical wall landscaping. Italian lamps Tolomeo, on the sides, focus only the essentials.

Designer’s Studio. The mix between rustic and luxurious materials is the keynote of this space, a loft built by the architects Gabriela Eloy and Carolina Travaglini (1883–1961) for a young woman tied to the universe of fashion.

Jewelry. Divided into lounge and area, the space of Interior designers Mariana Dean, Jason Sartori and Luciana Arnaud pays homage to the fashion designer Coco Chanel and makes reference to her collection of jewelry. Crystal pendant refers to the retro atmosphere that permeates the atmosphere.

Loft + River. The architect Luiz Fernando Grabowsky idealized a space with a mixture of lounge, and office suite, based on a sophisticated and versatile dweller. The stacking bookcase modules of different sizes and finishes (mimics the wood), in the background, and the shiny lacquer orange and navy blue.

Kitchen. Orange and off-white were the choices of architects Lia Lamego and Fernanda Mancini to color the four corners of the kitchen. The project design was based on practicality. Porcelain flooring rustic texture coating won, in contrast to the softness of the glass countertop, in the same tone. A cutout in the ceiling gives lighting.

Reading room. The soft sofa by Sergio Rodrigues, is paired with the model of straight lines created by Lena Machado. They make up the elegant living drafted by the duo of architects Cristina Bezamat and Laura Bezamat.

Interactive room. Reuse was the watchword for Tiana Meggiolaro and Bia Lynch who set up the room with brick walls left exposed. “Based on the concept of upcycling and demos new function was given to the pallets, wooden structures used in freight transport that became bookshelf and countertop,” says Tiana. 

Public bathroom. A dress with promotional stickers on the door leaves no doubt: the space is for women. But the architect was Adenowo Ketlein plus and extra effort in other women: walls with paper printed with rose petals and a showy red bench. In lighting, the trough with cold light, clipped on the ceiling, help in the retouching of makeup.

Foyer of Brigadier. As they could not interfere in the architecture of the house, architects Carolina Ladder and Patricia Landau created a Pergola of iron blue that announces the entrance to the shop of Brigadier. Attached to this structure, is a canvas blue pendant armchair. To taste the sweets of Fabiana D ‘ Ângelo, round wooden tables surrounded by classical Platner chairs were lined with citrus-green tone twill.

Stunning modern update to Berlin’s Das Stue Hotel

The Das Stue Hotel in Berlin, Germany was recently reinvigorated by Spanish designer Patricia Urquiola who gave this hotel a major modern facelift, designing all public spaces such as the lobby, cocktail bar and restaurants. LVG Arquitectura finished the project by implementing their own final touches in the interior rooms and suite designs. The color combinations of amber, burnt orange, and deep teal are combined in just the right amounts to create beautiful harmony. The hotel is a stunning merger between contemporary and classical, creating a very inviting space that will make you feel right at home.

Parque de Pedras Salgadas Eco-Resort

Portuguese architects Luís Rebelo de Andrade and Diogo Aguiar have recently completed a set of seven houses for the eco-resort of Parque de Pedras Salgadas, in the north of Portugal. The small dwellings are suspended on pillars and delicately hover above the ground, completely integrated in perfect harmony within the surrounding nature.

Designed in a modular, prefabricated system which allows for different combinations of the same three modules — entrance/bathing, living, sleeping — the houses are extremely flexible, and able to adapt to diverse spaces within the park, creating different morphologies and diverse dialogues with the surrounding nature: occupying the empty spaces between the trunks of large trees in the park, and allowing each home to be unique.

The pitched roofs that characterize the intervention redefine the contours of the park’s boundaries. Inside each house, they create comfortable and dynamic, animated spaces. In each of the houses, one or more corners feature a large window framing a specific view of the park, bringing the surrounding nature inside, and linking the interior to a balcony designed to be an ideal resting space. Each dwelling’s cladding evokes local, vernacular construction techniques.

Pedras Salgadas Spa & Nature Park offers ecological self-catering bungalows with a modern decor. Guests can enjoy views of the surrounding nature from the wooden patio or relax in the separate spa center. All spacious bungalows have a fully equipped kitchen with a generous dining area. Pedras Salgadas’s spa offers a variety of relaxing treatments and massages. An indoor pool, a sauna and a steam bath are also provided. So take a Flight to Portugal and visit this amazing destination!

Prices range from $150 – $250, from here.

Photos: FG + SG

Monastery transformed into charming mountain refuge

Surrounded by the spectacular beauty of the Pyrenees Mountains in Aragon, Spain and at the gates of the Ordesa National Park stands the majestic hotel of Casa de San Martin, a giant Sentinel of thick stone walls originating in the 18th century. The hotel is a former monastery and later a farm house, today has become a dream refuge of purist nature lovers and those who want to get lost between valleys and forests of conifers and forget about technology. The key to both charm and warmth lies in its careful reform, eco-friendly materials and typical elements of Aragonese architecture such as traditional fireplaces and wood slabs.

The spaces are designed to be cozy and comfortable with a warm ambiance despite the stone and strong frosts in the area. There are ten rooms decorated with care in an attractive rustic-chic style and incredible views of the endless mountains. In this place, away from crowds, there is no haste, only long walks, moments of reading and leisure and the enjoyment of nature. An old barn on the property was converted into a warm dining room with fireplace, providing a meticulous and creative cuisine cooked with products from the garden.

Amazing sustainable hotel in Mexico: TuboHotel

The TuboHotel is an eco-friendly destination spot which came out of the need of having an inexpensive room for users. Made from recycled concrete pipes, the hotel was designed by T3arc in the outskirts of Tepoztlán, Mexico, with excellent panoramic views of the Sierra del Tepozteco. Located in a wooded setting of unusual features, the surrounding environment provides a unique natural environment.

The goal was to have the ability to build a fast and affordable hotel that offered lodging for Tepoztlan tourist. With a projection of 20 rooms, the first modules were built. The rooms (tubes) were placed in three modules stacked on top of each other to gain as much space as possible.

T3arc was commissioned to do a general plan and build the first three tubocretos modules then Tubohotel administration was responsible for building the remaining modules. The order of the tubes is random with respect to the topography. Construction took place over a period of three months.

Photos: Luis Gordoa

Charming Graine-Ficelle hotel in the French Riviera

Created from scratch by its owner, this French farmhouse opens its doors to those who wish to rediscover the magic of the land, the animals and respect for the environment nestled between sea and the mountains in Saint Jeannet, in the heart of the French Riviera. Graine & Ficelle is a luminous farmhouse transformed into a charming bed and breakfast by the owners, set in the countryside available to accommodate guests. After three years to complete, the property also accommodates visits to the farm for school children, with a myriad of activities and workshops. The 2,798 square foot (260 square meters) house is spacious and bright, with few elements and infusing an aged look throughout.

The home was decorated with furnishings belonging to the owner’s family in wood and iron, sofas with linen covers, neutral hues and soft materials. The home features a large double living room, office, kitchen with cellar and four bedrooms, one of which is independent with its own kitchen and access to a private garden, all featuring their own sumptuous bathrooms. The guest rooms open onto the garden with spectacular views over the valley and the sea where guests are served a gourmet breakfast. Emphasis was placed on the 700 square foot kitchen, at the heart of the owner’s passion, to bring in all the delicacies from the garden.

The farmhouse can be rented in its entirety at a rate of $4,168 – $4,950, or you can stay here for the night at a rate of approximately $200 with breakfast, from here.

Charming 16th century ivy-clad mill hotel

In the picturesque small market town of Brantôme, is this ivy-clad mill, hotel Le Moulin de L’Abbaye, one of the most delightful places on the Dordogne region of France. The vista takes in the right-angled bridge, a 16th century masterpiece, the monastery garden, the medieval tower, the Renaissance pavilion and the famous abbey founded by Charlemagne. This picturesque landscape is the ideal place for a charming stay and a warm welcome is guaranteed. Founded in 1978, with the aim of creating a base from which to explore the region’s charms, the Moulin de l’Abbaye comprises three historical houses, with the rooms being split between the three buildings. The old Mill is the main building of the hotel and houses Reception as well as the Moulin de l’Abbaye restaurant.

The mill originally milled the town’s grain, weaved its wool, and by the turn of the last century, provided electricity for the townsfolk. The rooms and lounges are both elegant and inviting, the light-filled dining room opens onto a shady terrace on the river banks. There are several different room categories, perfect for couples up to large families, making an ideal base to discover the heart of the Perigord. Rooms range from Classic and Traditional Rooms, through Superior and Deluxe Rooms to elegant Junior Suites, a new Caractere room with private terrace, heated Jacuzzi overlooking the Dronne, and a spacious and luxurious Apartment. At the “Moulin”, the “Maison du Meunier” and the “Maison de l’Abbé”, where the famous Abbot of Brantôme, Pierre de Bourdeilles, once lived, the stage is set to enjoy this romantic, magical setting.

To stay at this spectacular retreat, prices range from approximately $200 – $800, from here.

Deep in Patagonia’s landscape: Hotel Salto Chico

The enormous mountain range of the Chilean Patagonia as a backdrop adds to the true beauty and wonderment of this region. The architecture of the hotel is small-scale in comparison to its surrounding environment. Designed by talented Chilean architect German del Sol, founder of the Explora travel agency, Hotel Salto Chico can be found at what some would consider, “the world’s ultimate lands’ end.” This stunning luxury eco-hotel is located in Torres del Paine, a national park in central Patagonia, along the banks of Lake Pahoe, at the southernmost tip of Chile. This area has also been declared by UNESCO as a biosphere reserve, due the extensive untouched land. Del Sol created this 50 room property with an attempt to flow with the natural forms that surround it. Viewed from up close, this hotel appears more as an observation station with incredible ambiance.

To stay as a guest in one of these beautiful appointed rooms with an incredible view ranges from, $2,660 to $6,224 for four nights or $4,720 to $11,360 for eight nights, per person, all meals and excursions included, from here.

The exterior of the hotel has been painted white to blend in with the exterior environment of glaciers, icebergs and snowcapped mountains.

The pathway leads to various places such as the street, into nature, as well as the pier at Lake Pahoe.

The interiors of the hotel features a mix of local lenga wood, cypress, and slate, as well clever lighting and panels of glass that provide incredible views of the park.

The architect designed all the lighting, furniture and accessories and had local artisans crafts everything from materials native to the land. Most of the rooms feature panoramic views of the waterfalls, mountains, glaciers or lakes that are adjacent to the hotel.

Wood support beams in the interior and cement cladding on the exterior of the hotel help to protect the structure from the strong winds and harsh winter elements.

The Ona Bath House is in a separate section of the hotel, the pool and the jacuzzi is at the same elevation as the lake to take advantage of the views.

Tropical hideaway on the island of Mauritius

Lakaz Chamarel Exclusive Lodge is a small, boutique hotel, managed, like a guesthouse but with the full service of a five star hotel, located in Mauritius, an island off the southeast coast of Africa in the Indian Ocean. Past the gate, guests are delighted by this 10-hectare tropical garden and by the charm of the typical Creole-type buildings which totally blend into the surroundings, in a successful mix of comfort and authenticity. Surrounded by the mountains of Chamarel, Lakaz Chamarel is a pearl among the top hotels of the destination which guarantees exclusivity and serenity to nature and green tourism lovers in a warm and harmonious decor, and with a refined local cuisine.

Scattered around the main building, which houses a living room, T.V. lounge, kitchen, dining room and terrace, the 20 luxurious guest cottages represent the various diversity of different cultures on the Island. Each room’s ethnic influence in its furniture and its decoration comes from China, Africa, India, or simply the tropics. The wood, the slate, the beams, the terra cotta, the ton ochre, beige and rust typically confer to this Exclusive Lodge, a Mauritian charm. Suites have their own private pool and open air shower. There are two swimming pools for guest’s enjoyment, one of which is near a large gazebo where a bar and another dining room can be found.

To stay at this stunning retreat, visit www.lakazchamarel.com.