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Four Seasons Residence Club Aviara Unveils $22 Million Reno

Stephanie Chen — Mon, 14 Jul 2025 17:12:47 +0000

In California, Four Seasons Residence Club Aviara has emerged from a sweeping $22 million renovation with a refined new look rooted in its coastal surroundings.

The property, nestled in the coastal foothills of Carlsbad, blends residential comfort with resort-style amenities, including two swimming pools, the family-friendly Kids Club 760, Seasons Restaurant, and Driftwood Spa.

The transformation—spearheaded by Wimberly Interiors, the same design team behind the destination’s original 1998 opening—touches all 246 villas as well as key amenity spaces, like the clubhouse, pool deck, and fitness center.

A laidback look for Four Seasons Residence Club Aviara

Common room

Drawing from the breezy, laidback spirit of its Southern California location, the reimagined interiors favor a clean, contemporary palette of cream, silver, and earthy terracotta tones. Organic textures and coastal blues echo the Pacific just beyond the hills, while thoughtful upgrades—like new kitchen cabinetry, appliances, and bespoke furnishings—elevate the aesthetic. Spacious balconies encourage al fresco dining and indoor-outdoor living as well.

Accommodations range from studios to expansive two-bedroom residences that can host up to eight guests.

Elsewhere on property, the clubhouse has been refreshed with bold furnishings and finishes, and the upgraded fitness center now features state-of-the-art equipment and dry saunas. Poolside, a redesigned bar and expanded seating area enhance the resort’s casual, sun-soaked atmosphere.

Guestroom dining area

Seasons Restaurant

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Basquet Debuts a Design-Forward Market and Café in Miami

Stephanie Chen — Mon, 14 Jul 2025 14:56:15 +0000

Basquet, a wellness-centric online grocery brand, has unveiled its first brick-and-mortar location in Miami’s Coconut Grove neighborhood.

Designed by locally based Gharib Studio as more than just a place to shop, the space acts as a third place—an inviting neighborhood hub that blends retail, hospitality, and wellness. Built-in shelving wraps the perimeter, organizing a curated “grocery aisle” experience while naturally drawing guests toward a central café.

“Basquet was born from a vision to redefine how people experience culture, design, and connection under one roof,” says Basquet founder Nova Kaufman. “Miami, with its energy and diversity, is the perfect home for this concept. This opening is not just about launching a space—it’s about creating a hub where creativity thrives, friends are made, and new ideas take shape.”

Inside Basquet

The interiors juxtapose deep burgundy walls with light wood and cream furnishings, creating a warm yet elevated atmosphere. Custom shelving, archway detailing, and sculptural elements give the space a refined, residential sensibility.

At the heart of the concept is a flexible seating area outfitted with travertine tables and wooden accent chairs, designed to host both everyday café moments and larger community events.

“Designing Basquet was about more than creating a space—it was about crafting an experience that invites people to engage, connect, and feel inspired,” says Nora Gharib, founder of Gharib Studio.

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Lark Hotels Welcomes the Painted Lady to Its Growing Portfolio

Stephanie Chen — Mon, 14 Jul 2025 14:42:38 +0000

Lark Hotels has added the Painted Lady—a recently opened boutique hotel in Birmingham, Alabama—to its growing portfolio of independent properties under management.

Launch in March, the Painted Lady occupies the former Eyer-Raden Building, a restored 19th-century boarding house in the city’s Automotive Historic District that is rumored to have been operated by Louise C. Wooster, a legendary madam who earned local acclaim for her nursing work during the 1870s cholera epidemic.

“It’s an honor to have Lark selected as a partner in managing the Painted Lady,” says Lark CEO Peter Twachtman. “The property has so much soul, and a fascinating past; it’s the exact kind of singular boutique hotel experience that we are passionate about, and we’re thrilled to have the opportunity to manage it.”

Owned by Addicus Advisors, the 22-key hotel has been transformed into a vibrant destination that pays tribute to Birmingham’s layered history. Original architectural elements are paired with colorful interiors, modern amenities, and character-rich finishes.

“The Painted Lady is a unique concept with rich history, and we needed a partner who knew exactly how to bring that kind of property to life,” says Drew Adams, chief enterprise architect at Addicus. “Lark understands the character, creativity, and operational excellence it takes to create great visitor experiences—they were the clear choice.”

Founded in 2012 by Rob Blood, Lark manages boutique hotels across North America, including its own branded concepts such as Bluebird by Lark, Blind Tiger, AWOL, and Life House.

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Grand Hyatt Grand Cayman to Debut This Fall

Stephanie Chen — Fri, 11 Jul 2025 13:30:06 +0000

Grand Hyatt Grand Cayman Resort & Spa is set to open its doors this fall, bringing 382 guestrooms and suites to the island’s famed Seven Mile Beach.

Designed to celebrate indoor-outdoor living, the oceanfront property offers direct access to swimmable beaches and a scuba diving site—the Wreck of the Gamma—located just offshore.

The resort will feature five distinct dining experiences, including Salt & Cinder, a globally inspired concept just 30 feet from the water; Lo Tide Pool Bar & Restaurant, serving casual Mexican bites and cocktails; and Hi Tide Rooftop Bar, which will offer a raw and cured menu. Brasa delivers refined island cuisine, while additional grab-and-go options round out the culinary lineup.

A premium wellness destination—complete with indoor and outdoor treatment rooms, a tranquility pool, an ice room, and a spa menu inspired by the natural elements of earth, water, fire, and air—will anchor the resort.

The property will also cater to events of all sizes with flexible indoor-outdoor meeting spaces, a sunset-facing ballroom, and an expansive oceanfront deck.

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BOX Interior Design Crafts JUU KU in Edmonton

Stephanie Chen — Fri, 11 Jul 2025 13:00:35 +0000

JUU KU—a newly opened 3,200-square-foot Pan-Asian restaurant in Edmonton, Canada—blends theatrical design and warmth to offer a vivid escape from the everyday.

Crafted by Vancouver-based BOX Interior Design, the space is equal parts local hangout and transportive destination, and serves as a counterpoint to its elegant sister bistro next door (also designed by BOX in 2012).

A layout that is both open and intimate

At the heart of the new-build space is a central bar enveloped in lacquered red tones that creates an immersive glow that anchors the experience. Sushi chefs and bartenders work in tandem on either side of the bar, while raised two-person banquettes face inward, creating a stage-like setup ideal for intimate evenings.

Suspended above the bar is an 8-foot-high wooden screen lined with a custom mural by artist Van Hoang that draws from traditional yakuza tattoos. Every seat at JUU KU maintains a visual connection to the dynamic focal point, which is further unified by a continuous line of soft lighting around the room’s perimeter.

Tactile details at JUU KU

The bold red envelope is offset by textural interplay—tactile woods, glazed tiles, and layered fabrics balance the monochrome hue. Large-scale works by locally based artist Tim Okamura further enhance the moody palette with visual and cultural resonance.

Flanking the reception area, round stone tables for six and eight guests sit beneath sculptural lighting—bronze metal chain encasing glowing orbs—that add a balanced dose of drama and softness.

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Sir Hotels Enters UK Market with Sir Devonshire Square

Stephanie Chen — Thu, 10 Jul 2025 15:02:39 +0000

Amsterdam-based boutique hotel brand Sir Hotels has opened its first UK location with the launch of Sir Devonshire Square in London’s Shoreditch neighborhood.

Located on the charming brick courtyard of Devonshire Square, the property originally operated as a warehouse for the East India Tea Company.

The hotel houses 81 rooms (including 11 suites), a gym, and yoga studio. It also features a sprawling public space, which includes a shop selling local products reflective of London’s diverse culture.

The lobby bar serves as the hotel’s vibrant social anchor, transitioning from breakfast fare in the morning to light plates in the afternoon, and, finally, transforming into a bar at night with curated cocktails and cultural programming. The design is intended to foster connection between both guests and locals alike.

The main restaurant and the Cover, Sircle Collection’s private members club, are set to debut later this year.

Sir Hotels—part of Liran Wizman’s Sircle Collection—now operates five properties across five European cities: London, Amsterdam, Barcelona, Ibiza, and Berlin.

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Midnight Auteur Officially Opens Its First Boutique Hotel

Stephanie Chen — Thu, 10 Jul 2025 12:39:11 +0000

Midnight Auteur—a hospitality company formed by the founders of cocktail bar Death & Co and the Ramble Hotel in Denver—has unveiled Municipal Grand, a luxury boutique hotel in Savannah, Georgia.

Located on a vibrant corner in a 1960s structure that most recently served as the Broughton Municipal Building, Municipal Grand features 44 guestrooms, a lobby bar and restaurant (Municipal Bar), rooftop pool and lounge (Sun Club), and subterranean bar (the Hot Eye).

A celebration of midcentury design

Envisioned by by AAmp Studio—in collaboration with Lynch Associates Architects and local preservation experts Ward Architecture + Preservation—Municipal Grand takes inspiration from the city’s lush gardens and the building’s midcentury design.

Paying homage to Savannah’s often-overlooked post-WWII modernist movement, the design retains original materials like gray granite walls, white concrete frames, blue mosaic tile, and structural columns, while infusing softened curves, layered textures, and lush, tropical modernist elements inspired by Brazilian and Finnish design traditions.

“Rather than replicate the past, we sought to honor it—celebrating the building’s original design while introducing new interventions that bring warmth, movement, and depth,” says Andrew Ashey, cofounder of AAmp Studio.

Guestrooms at Municipal Grand

This design narrative carries through into the guestrooms, which reflect the inviting nature of Savannah. Midcentury lines and rich materials are imbued with the comfort and warmth of a well-lived home.

Each room begins with a rich green vestibule and millwork threshold that leads to the main living area, where cozy banquettes and custom wood-and-velvet headboards add tactile layers. An arched millwork minibar, topped with marble and stocked with a curated selection of drinks, nods to the hotel’s cocktail-forward ethos. Bathrooms, meanwhile, are characterized by curved shower entries, handmade Moroccan tiles, and red marble vanities.

Select rooms also feature private terraces overlooking Broughton Street.

“Municipal Grand was created with a lively Southern parlor room in mind,” says Ryan Diggins, CEO and partner at Midnight Auteur. “We’ve always been captivated by the vibrancy of a great lobby bar—how it naturally fosters conversation and celebration. With Municipal Grand, we’ve built a hotel that is as much for the city as it is for travelers.”

Midnight Auteur—led by Alex Day, Ryan Diggins, and David Kaplan—manages the ownership, development, and operation of cocktail-anchored boutique hotels.

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Belmond Launches the Britannic Explorer in England and Wales

Stephanie Chen — Wed, 09 Jul 2025 17:01:12 +0000

The introduction of the Britannic Explorer, A Belmond Train marks the inaugural luxury sleeper train to operate across England and Wales.

The train will embark on its first journey to Wales later this month, followed by Cornwall shortly after.

Designing the Britannic Explorer

London-based design studio Albion Nord led the interior design, collaborating with a select group of British artists and artisans including Luke Edward Hall, Mel Campion, and Olly Fathers.

Across eight meticulously restored carriages, the team created a layered environment that bridges British heritage with contemporary design through the use of natural materials (such as stone, wood, and wool) paired with earthy hues and rich textures.

The train houses 18 cabins—three Grand Suites and 15 Suites—each designed to reflect the natural and cultural beauty of the British landscape. Thoughtfully integrated antiques, bold patterns, and tactile finishes establish a refined yet playful atmosphere, whether in the privacy of a guest’s suite or in the social spaces, which include an onboard spa, bar, and restaurant cars.

“Designing the Britannic Explorer has been an extraordinary opportunity to tell a new story of British luxury—one rooted in craft, landscape, and character,” says Camilla Clarke, creative director at Albion Nord. “We wanted the interiors to feel refined yet bold, timeless yet unexpected, much like Britain itself.”

Art in motion

The Double Suites feature custom wallpaper and textiles developed by Luke Edward Hall in collaboration with Rubelli.

His illustrative motifs, inspired by botanicals and regional landmarks, also appear on bespoke furnishings in the Grand Suites. In these spaces, sculptural wood panels by Olly Fathers add a graphic counterpoint, while artwork by Marcus James captures the drama of Britain’s countryside through expressive pen drawings.

Mirrors handcrafted by shell artist Mel Campion accent the powder rooms, while painter Sarah Woods contributes serene landscapes to the Wellness Suite. Lighting by Rose Uniacke offers a minimalist contrast to the more decorative elements, emphasizing craftsmanship and organic form.

In the dining carriages, kinetic paintings by Ed Burkes depict abstract dancers in motion, complemented by hand-dyed textile wall panels by Adam Halls, whose layered compositions are inspired by the textures of lichen and algae.

“Every element, from the palette and materials to the artwork and antiques, was chosen to evoke a sense of place and personality,” Clarke adds. “It has been a privilege to collaborate with Belmond and an inspiring community of British makers to bring this vision to life.”

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1 Hotels to Debut Nature-Inspired Property in Copenhagen

Stephanie Chen — Wed, 09 Jul 2025 15:15:19 +0000

1 Hotel Copenhagen, the newest addition to the mission-driven 1 Hotels portfolio, is slated to open this August in the city’s Latin Quarter.

Housed in the former Skt. Petri hotel, the 282-room property marks the brand’s first Nordic location, bringing its signature blend of sustainable luxury and biophilic design to Denmark’s capital.

A design that celebrates nature

A collaboration between architecture and design firms AvroKO, Norm Architects, Arkitema Architects, Synergy Architects, and the in-house 1 Hotels design team, the transformation celebrates Danish craftsmanship through a natural material palette of oak, linen, and limestone. Reclaimed wood, native greenery, and bespoke lighting punctuate the interiors, while handcrafted Danish furnishings nod to the building’s architectural heritage.

Anchored by an expansive atrium lounge filled with tall trees, a grand staircase, and an intimate fireplace, the lobby evokes a forest-like calm in the middle of the city. Lounge seating is nestled among lush plantings, with views of a courtyard garden planted with wildflowers and herbs that blur the boundaries between inside and out.

Across the 252 guestrooms and 30 suites, floor-to-ceiling windows frame the surrounding cityscape, while interiors are outfitted with calming, nature-inspired finishes. Bathrooms feature stone sinks, rainfall showers, and greenery accents meant to evoke the quiet of Denmark’s woodlands.

F&B and wellness at 1 Hotel Copenhagen

The hotel also introduces new culinary venues that highlight local ingredients. PÆRE, a contemporary bar inspired by the Danish word for pear, features a light-filled, convivial atmosphere. Farmstand, a market-style concept, showcases seasonal produce and regional artisanal goods.

Wellness offerings include the Field House Gym, which provides personal training and group fitness classes. Expected to debut early next year, the Bamford Wellness Spa will boast serene treatment spaces clad in oak and stone.

Built with purpose

With sustainability at its core, 1 Hotel Copenhagen is on track for LEED Gold and BREEAM Excellent certifications. The adaptive reuse of the original structure was accomplished with minimal demolition, while energy-efficient systems—including triple-glazed windows and smart occupancy sensors—are integrated throughout.

Additional environmentally conscious elements include a rooftop bee hotel, edible landscaping, and a 10-foot living green wall designed to enhance biodiversity and indoor air quality.

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W Hotels Makes a Bold Entrance in Florence

Stephanie Chen — Wed, 09 Jul 2025 14:17:15 +0000

W Hotels has arrived in Florence. Housed in the former Grand Hotel Majestic, W Florence breathes new life into a historic landmark built in the rationalist-modernist style, bringing a fresh energy the Tuscan capital.

Located on Piazza dell’Unità Italiana, the hotel features 119 guestrooms, including 16 suites and one expansive Penthouse, as well as integrated indoor and outdoor spaces anchored by a central, partially covered courtyard surrounded by dining venues.

The crown jewel of the hotel is the rooftop garden, which offers panoramic views over Florence’s iconic skyline—from the Duomo to the hills of Fiesole.

A bold yet timeless design

Supreme Suite

The structure—a 1968 building with a dramatic stone façade, slit windows, and bronze vertical elements designed by Florentine architect Lando Bartolithe—has been restored and reimagined by Genius Loci Architettura (GLA) to meet LEED Gold and WELL Silver sustainability standards.

Meanwhile, AvroKO, which led the interiors of W Prague and is working on the upcoming W Hoboken, crafted an aesthetic that draws from influential Italian fashion houses and Florence’s rich design heritage. The interiors are characterized by strong geometric forms, lacquered wood finishes, metallic accents, and a vibrant color palette carried through public spaces and guestrooms.

In the lobby, a mural by London-based Adam Ellis Studio depicts a fantastical Florentine Babylon Garden featuring the exotic creatures of the Medici menagerie and modern Italian cultural references. Additional works by the studio appear throughout the hotel, adding continuity to W’s artistic DNA.

Social spaces with personality

W Lounge courtyard

The W Lounge is the energetic core of the property, integrating live music, DJ sets, and a playful take on aperitivo culture. Throughout, guests will find playful, yet luxurious furnishings—from curved velvet seating and boucle-upholstered banquettes to mirror-paneled walls that reflect and amplify the vibrant surroundings. Design cues reference Italian industrialists like Joe Colombo, while simultaneously grounding the space in a uniquely Florentine context.

Anchored by a 360-degree blue lava stone bar, the lounge seamlessly connects to an all-day dining area and opens onto the courtyard. The partially covered central courtyard—once the mezzanine level of a historic bank—has been transformed into an internal piazza, complete with retro-inspired Italian furniture, green walls, and lush botanicals.

Guestrooms at W Florence

Suite

In the guestrooms and suites, marble accents, layered textures, and bold graphic patterns create a refined yet spirited environment. A color palette of lush greens, Medici red, and royal blue draws directly from the city’s art, architecture, and natural landscape.

Above each bed, custom light fixtures inspired by famous architectural arches—like Palazzo Pitti and the Vasari Corridor—serve as sculptural centerpieces. Many rooms include floor-to-ceiling windows, private balconies, or terraces that frame views of terracotta rooftops, lively piazzas, and surrounding hills.

The Penthouse, W’s take on the presidential suite, crowns the property with a 1,500-square-foot private terrace.

Dining and wellness

Tratto restaurant

W Florence is home to Tratto, an all-day restaurant with elevated Tuscan fare and bold interiors. Two additional venues—Zefiro Rooftop and Akira Back—are set to open later this summer as well.

The hotel also features the brand’s signature gym, along with flexible meeting spaces.

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