The Gwen, a Luxury Collection Hotel
Chicago, U.S.A.
Visitors to the Windy City can now take shelter at the latest debutant in Starwood’s Luxury Collection Hotels, and with direct access to the best boutique-shopping spots in Chicago, The Gwen looks set to become a haven for scenesters and fashionistas. Located in River North along the Magnificent Mile, the property is also directly connected to The Shops at North Bridge and has easy access to the Loop, the city’s business district.
The former Conrad Chicago takes its name from Gwen Lux, a pioneering sculptress, and the hotel’s design harks back to the grandeur and glamour of 1930s Chicago, replete with art deco touches. Along with Artist’s Table dining experiences and open terraces that overlook the Chicago skyline, The Gwen even has a “Prohibition Porter” mixologist, allowing guests to imbibe in period style.
W Amsterdam
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
“The W Insider will provide guests with whatever they want, whenever they want it… as long as it’s legal.” It’s a provocative statement from a funky, contemporary brand, and the hint of naughtiness suits the new location. The W Amsterdam has arrived in Holland’s most vibrant city with the brand’s signature Whatever/Whenever service philosophy, as well as a calendar of thrilling W Happenings, showcasing the best of upcoming design, fashion and music.
The 238 guest rooms include 21 suites, two WOW suites and two ultra-lavish Extreme WOW suites – the brand’s own flavour of Presidential suite. Situated across two structures – the former Telephone Exchange and opposite Kas Bank buildings – W Amsterdam is a blend of vintage and modern within an equally dynamic locale.
Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve
Ubud, Bali, Indonesia
Nestled somewhere between solitude and stylish luxury, the latest entry to the super-exclusive Ritz-Carlton roster in Bali’s Ubud has just 35 luxurious and spacious suites and 25 private-pool villas. Designed to embrace the lush surroundings, the accommodations exemplify traditional Balinese style, along with some contemporary flourishes thanks to designs from Jeffrey Wilkes of renowned Asia-based DESIGNWILKES.
A stay at the Reserve is a sensory experience with unobstructed access to nature, whether it’s views of the tranquil rice paddies or the on-site organic garden. Mandapa village will also feature four restaurants and lounges serving Indonesian cuisine, Mediterranean fine dining, and tailored menus focused on health, wellness and detox programmes – all with locally sourced, seasonal ingredients.
Shangri-La Hotel, Tangshan
Tangshan, China
Living up to its name, the new Shangri-La Hotel, Tangshan is every inch the urban sanctuary in Phoenix New Town, a lush eco-oriented area adjacent to a UNESCO Heritage area. Taking the setting as its inspiration, the hotel is decked out in wooden carvings and marble fixtures, as well as custom art pieces, which are scattered throughout large gallery-like spaces.
The 301-room Shangri-La opened at the end of August with its 23rd-floor Horizon Club Lounge offering special benefits for Club floor guests, but to really satiate their appetites guests can make a reservation at Tang Huang Ge, the hotel’s signature Chinese restaurant. The wooden lattice screens open up to 10 private dining rooms located around a central chandelier fashioned in the abstract form of a phoenix – the symbol of Tangshan.