08.06.12
T+L surveys new design-statement properties from Marseille to Majorca.
Wherever Aman goes, the style tribe slavishly follows. And just when you thought there were no more variations on the word aman, the trailblazing hotel company has opened Amanzoe ($$$$), in a remote area of Greece?s Peloponnese peninsula. With reflecting pools, soaring marble walls, and panoramic views, architect Ed Tuttle?s pared-down sanctuary strikes a balance between serenity and drama.
Another disciple of minimalism, Jean-Fran?ois Bodin?who created Paris?s Cit? de l?Architecture et du Patrimoine?brings his trademark restraint to Porto-Vecchio, the St.-Tropez of Corsica. At the waterfront La Plage Casadelmar (pictured; $$$$), he has crafted 15 rooms out of volcanic rock and 300-year-old oaks.
On the Spanish island of Majorca, the Jumeirah Port Soller Hotel & Spa ($$$) is intended to stimulate the senses, from the approach through orange groves and the hand massages at check-in to the 120 rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows, most overlooking the sea.
Contrast that with the latest effort from Philippe Starck: Mama Shelter Marseille ($). Smack in the center of the newly buzzy city, the hotel is loaded with in-your-face Starck whimsy?graffitied chalkboard ceilings; pool toys over the bar. Love it? Hate it? Up to you, but we do like the rates, starting at $83.
Hitting a different note is the Monastero Santa Rosa ($$$$), on Italy?s Amalfi Coast. It?s the passion project of Bianca Sharma, who took over a converted 17th-century cliff-top monastery, filling the 20 rooms with antiques collected during her travels. The result is more handmade than designer-polished, but if it was good enough for the first guests, Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene of Monaco, then it?s good enough for us.
Hotel Pricing Key
$ Less than $200
$$ $200 to $350
$$$ $350 to $500
$$$$ $500 to $1,000
$$$$$ More than $1,000
Photo courtesy of Design Hotels
Source: http://www.travelandleisure.com/travel-blog/carry-on/2012/8/6/mediterraneans-best-new-design-hotels
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