FASHION HOTELS 69
Conceived and designed by Wilbert Das, the former creative director for the Italian powerhouse Diesel, UXUA CASA HOTEL, meaning‘ wonderful’ in the native Pataxo Indian language of Brazil, is nestled in the jungle coastline of Bahia. With all ten individual casas village houses, the emphasis is on rustic luxury, with recycled materials and local craftsmanship blending this indulgent hideaway seamlessly with its surroundings. Outdoor dining areas and open-sky bathrooms compliment private plunge pools and jacuzzis in soothing the weary soul, while Uxua’ s restaurants take advantage of beachfront locations, serving organicallysourced Bahian fusion cuisine characterised by fresh, local seafood. At the end of the day the Praia Bar, fashioned out of old fishing boats, is the perfect spot for a nightcap. www. uxua. com
Decadently dressed in the distinctive style of Karl Largerfeld, ALMA SCHLOSSHOTEL is a luxurious castle hotel that dominates the chic neighbourhood of Grunewald, offering an oasis of tranquility and a throwback to a bygone era. Restored to its former glory under the artistic direction of Chanel’ s world-famous fashion designer, the lounge begs you to recline in decadent velvets, whilst the hotel’ s 53 rooms and suites – designed in conjunction with London’ s Ezra Attia and Julian Reed – afford guests elegantly traditional comfort, that has been combined with modern touches like large flat-screen televisions, wifi connectivity, Tivoli radios and Apple iMacs. Specially designed by Karl Lagerfeld, the Grunewald Suite boasts custom upholstered furniture and a lavish bathroom with French-style artisan ceramics and Bulgari toiletries. Indulge with some of Berlin’ s finest fare at the property’ s gourmet Vivaldi restaurant, serving classical French cuisine, before unwinding in the vast garden, anchored by a magnificent fountain under soaring, ancient trees. www. schlosshotelberlin. com www. jetsetter. hk