1. THE RITZ-CARLTON MELBOURNE
Melbourne, Australia
Launching an oasis of elevated luxury in the heart of the metropolis, The Ritz-Carlton Melbourne brings the brand’s legendary service and contemporary aesthetic to Australia’s arts and epicurean capital. Soaring 80 storeys above the city, on the western side of Melbourne’s central business district, the hotel celebrates the country’s ancient stories and vibrant cultures, filtered through a distinctly Melbourne lens. Designed by Australian architects Cottee Parker, the hotel’s public spaces, adorned with curated artworks, showcase an acknowledgement of place and indigenous heritage.
The interiors of the hotel, designed by BAR Studio, capture Melbourne’s unique identity with influences from its indigenous story, Victorian-era gold rush, European heritage, and fabled laneway life. The hotel’s 257 guestrooms are understated and elegant, allowing the city views to take centre stage. Rooms feature dark wood and simple natural stone punctuated with decorative hand-made glass panels, custom light fixtures and touches of gold. Reflecting the city’s epicurean obsessions, three distinct culinary venues – Atria, Cameo and The Lobby Lounge – sit at the heart of the hotel, while a six-room spa is a serene oasis, with an infinity pool that looks out over the city.
2. HYATT CENTRIC VILLE-MARIE MONTREAL
Montréal, Canada
Canada’s first Hyatt Centric hotel, Hyatt Centric Ville-Marie Montréal, is now open. Built adjacent to the turn-of-the-century site of the first railway station in Canada, this sophisticated hotel sits at the crossroads of old and new in the charming Parisian-style quarter of Old Montréal. The walk-friendly locale puts guests’ steps away from a bustling waterfront, Place Jacques-Cartier, lauded dining and shopping, a thriving nightlife scene, cultural destinations, and a short walk to downtown Montréal. Vibrant and modern designs by local Montréal designers and architects, such as Ivy Studio and Provencher Roy, showcase the property’s local inspirations, iconography and culture.
The building façade – comprised of Normand brick, white polished concrete, and zinc metal – is influenced by the neighbouring château, historic church roofs in the area and the iconographic clock tower on the waterfront. Boasting 177 modern guestrooms, the hotel also features a rooftop pool (slated to open in summer 2023), and lively on-site restaurant Cartier Arms, which serves Quebéc-British fusion food with handcrafted cocktails, embodying the turn-of-the-century golden age of the railroad.
3. RADISSON COLLECTION HOTEL, SANTA SOFIA MILAN
Milan, Italy
Radisson Hotel Group’s fifth Italian property, Radisson Collection Hotel, Santa Sofia Milan, commands a strategic location halfway between Piazza del Duomo and the famous Navigli canal district. The surrounding vibrant neighbourhood offers entertainment venues, lively squares, shopping streets and easy access to all the city’s attractions. Over a four-year period, architects Studio Marco Piva have transformed the original 1960’s headquarters of Allianz Italia into this luxury hotel. The original roof with its characteristic oxidized-copper pitches marks the building’s architectural significance in the Milanese cityscape. 159 rooms are designed as small urban lofts with a rich navy, brown and black colour palette and a mix of wood, leather, glass and metals, creating an atmosphere reflecting the character of Milan.
Occupying a space in the former courtyard of the building, Sofia Kitchen & Bar offers a selection of Mediterranean dishes, as well as international favourites, each made from fresh, flavorful ingredients. At ISSEI Rooftop, accompanied by sprawling views of Milan, guests can indulge in Nikkei cuisine, a fusion of Japanese and Peruvian cuisines with a menu that draws inspiration from both land and sea.
4. JW MARRIOTT HOTEL MADRID
Madrid, Spain
The recently opened JW Marriott Hotel Madrid is a serene destination to reflect and recharge in the heart of the city. Previously one of the oldest perfumeries in Madrid, the building itself has a unique legacy and captures the very essence of the city. Architecture and design by Rockwell Group focuses on natural materials and neutral hues emanating a relaxing environment, while touches of the building’s historic past remain visible through the preservation of certain elements. The hotel has collaborated with the Spanish Academy of Perfume, paying homage to the building’s heritage to create a holistic wellness experience that stimulates the senses.
Upon arrival guests choose one of five artisanal scents, which is then placed in their wardrobe. Books, an exhibition featuring antique perfume bottles and essences, and olfactory workshops are all exclusive opportunities for guests to learn more about the city and their scent preferences. Partnering with renowned Michelin-star chef Mario Sandoval, the property has crafted a dining and cocktail concept that reinvents local flavour. Using ingredients grown in the JW Garden and sourced from local providers, QU offers refined Spanish flavours. Served on dishes inspired by the beauty of perfume containers, each meal engages all five senses to create an unforgettable dining experience that captures the essence of Madrid.