HOTELS WITH STYLE: LUXURY FASHION HOTELS
Today, a brand is more than just a label; it’s an experience. For top luxury marques, a hotel creates the ultimate expression of the brand in action. Guests are immersed in an atmosphere that showcases the spirit of the brand and is shown not just in the details of furnishings and linens, but in each touch point of customer service. From the ornate excess of Versace to the restrained, yet lavish Armani aesthetic, each brand brings its unique aesthetic to life in each of these posh getaways a distinctive way.
Palazzo Versace Gold Coast
Versace can take much of the credit for starting the fashion designer hotel trends when this luxurious resort on Australia’s Gold Coast opened 15 years ago. The Palazzo has 200 bedrooms and suites outfitted with Versace Home furnishings, as well as linens created specifically for the resort. The hotel reflects the spirit of Versace with luxurious fabrics, bold colors and a sense of la dolce vita indulgence. Rooms have large windows and Juliet balconies to let the abundant sunshine pour in. The resort is home to three award-winning restaurants, a day spa, private marina and a Versace boutique. Gianni Versace’s former Miami residence, Casa Casuarina, is also available for overnight stays. Versace extensively renovated the home prior to his death and added several unique accents including a pool with a statuary and elaborate mosaics. palazzoversace.com vmmiamibeach.com
Armani Hotel Dubai
Situated inside the stratospheric Burj Khalifa, the Armani Hotel Dubai occupies 10 floors designed in Giorgio Armani’s signature elegant style. Design elements include Eramosa stone floors, zebrawood panels, bespoke furnishings and personally designed hotel amenities all swathed in Armani’s luxurious muted neutrals. To accentuate the feeling of gracious Italian hospitality, the hotel assigns guests a lifestyle manager who helps arrange for services and optimizes the experience. Custom-created furniture and bespoke fabrics form a counterpoint to the dramatic views outside. The hotel also includes eight Armani restaurants and a complete spa. armanihoteldubai.com
Cheval Blanc Hotel
Luxury conglomerate LMVH has created a luxury brand around their Cheval Blanc vineyard. The brand now has three exquisite hotel experiences in Courcheval, St. Barths and in the Maldives. The hotels echo the commitment that LVMH brands such as Louis Vuitton and Moët & Chandon have made to creativity and craftsmanship. One of the locations, The Cheval Blanc Randheli in the Maldives, enhances the idyllic island location with villas outfitted in European elegance including sophisticated artwork, rain showers, and private pools. An assigned butler schedules all outdoor activities and adventures. A Guerlain spa is located on its own island just a short boat ride away and has a meditation pavilion that looks out over the crystal blue waters. chevalblanc.com
Baccarat Hotel
The historic French crystal company brought its glittering aesthetic to the creation of the Baccarat Hotel & Residences in midtown Manhattan. The hotel’s prismed façade resembles one of the brand’s shimmering creations. The hotel’s public areas feature seventeen custom chandeliers and Baccarat masterworks are showcased in large vitrines. The hotel has 114 guest rooms outfitted with custom desks, sconces and table lamps constructed by Baccarat. All rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows and glass showers concealed by hand-painted French doors. A custom Baccarat-red enamel minibar includes glasses and stemware from the brand. The hotel was given five-stars by Forbes Travel. baccarathotels.com