New Hotels Around the World
Hot spots to stay in North America, Europe and Asia
1
Maison de la Luz – North America
Designer Pamela Shamshiri shaped her approach to the interiors of this voluptuous new Atelier Ace hotel in New Orleans by asking: Where would fashion icon Iris Apfel stay? The answer is this private guesthouse in a former City Hall Annex. An honor bar opens at noon in the lobby, where original works by local artists, objets d’art and magazines are carefully curated. A European-style breakfast buffet is served in the mornings, wine and charcuterie at night. A grand staircase winds upward six floors to big, beautiful halls and 67 rooms and suites. All are luxe, with velvet headboards, custom armoires, vintage coffee tables and marble bathrooms with sculptural snake shower handles and stand-alone soaking tubs. Bar Marilou is open to the public, but guests can access a private lounge through a secret door in the bookcase.
2
August – Europe
A former Augustinian cloister has opened as Antwerp’s newest design hotel in the Green Quarter. Forty-four intimate rooms in the original convent chambers feature bespoke finishes like hand-glazed bathroom tiles, custom-built furniture and hand-woven carpets. The lounge is set in the old private chapel, a stunning turn-of-the-century room with high ceilings that is flooded with light from the large arched windows. The taupe-and-white décor, three walled gardens, a spa, an outdoor swimming pool and a library make this is a serene sanctuary.
3
The Oberoi – Asia
After a two-year renovation, this luxury landmark last year welcomed back a who’s who of New Delhi society. While it is rich with details like the jewel-encrusted screen in the lobby and gilt-edged art deco touches, the air purification system might be the winning feature. Its 220 spacious rooms, including 34 suites, have walk-in closets, Italian marble bathrooms, teak floors and Lutyens-style furnishings. Michelin-starred chefs oversee the Indian and Chinese restaurants, and guests can retreat to a rooftop bar. The spa offers both Eastern and Western massages, a sauna, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, and a fitness center.
