Armani Hotel

Coming soon, to a United Arab Emirate near you: couture paradise! The world's largest mall title will soon be in the Emirate of Dubai. The shopping in this mega-mall will be range from upscale to couture, making this a heaven for Middle Eastern shoppers, and indeed international shoppers. Part of Dubai's play to become an international hub for shopping and entertainment, the mall will only be a part of a massive complex centered around what will likely soon become the definitive landmark for the small nation: the Burj Dubai.

And on the heels of the opening of the tallest commercial and residential building in the world in 2009, Armani-lovers will have a chance to bask themselves in Armani goodness all over, when the luxury Italian brand opens up it's first ever hotel.
That's right: the Armani Hotel will be housed in the immense complex of the Burj, along with six other five-to-seven star hotels, and will be managed and constructed by Emaar Hotel and Resorts LLC. The Armani touch, however, will not be overseen by Emaar, but rather by Giorgio Armani himself. Naturally, the hotel will be abound with Armani fashion and furnishings, creating what Armani believes will be an essential part of the 'Armani lifestyle'.

And beside the hotel will be even more Armani goodness: 160 residential apartments, also designed by Giorgio himself, and furnished with special edition pieces from Armani Casa. Armani is excited about the project which has been confirmed since 2004, when he wrote a letter of intent cementing his resolve. The fashion giant has also said publically: "“This marks the beginning of a new chapter in the Armani story. In this our thirtieth anniversary year, I cannot think of a more energising prospect than bringing my philosophy of style and design to a collection of hotels and resorts. Today, more than ever before fashion has expanded to encompass our way of life, not just how we dress, but where we live, which restaurants we eat at, which car we drive, where we go on holiday and which hotels we stay in. I strongly believe that for those people who enjoy the Armani fashion and home furnishings collections, there will be a real enthusiasm for the possibility to now stay at an Armani hotel or resort.”

We agree, and predict success for the hotel. We can't see fashionistas being dissapointed by a chance to stay at an Armani hotel, unless the hotel itself was dissapointing. And dissapointing will be easy to achieve, since visitors to Dubai are no strangers to luxury; after all, the city has a Gold District, and is home to the only 7 star hotel in the world. But with a reputation on the line, and the great excitement of Giorgio, we have faith that the hotel will be a show-stopper, and can't wait to review it ourselves.

Note that this will not be the only Armani Hotel: expect locations in Milan, London, and New York following the opening of this first hotel, so residents of those cities won't have to be jealous of the Emirate for too long.


Another note: this is not the first residential design project Armani has done. Armani Casa took on this bathroom, showcasing their 20 Pine Collection.

Burj Dubai Picture via www.chrisdiclerico.com
Armani Casa picture via Businessweek. See a cool slideshow of luxurious bathrooms by Armani and other designers atBusinessweek's Website

Featured Hotel: Oberoi Amarvilas

Since I may never quite get the name down right, I'm going to have to carry around a brochure for the Oberoi Amarvilas with me for the rest of my life, for those instances where someone asks my opinion on where to go on vacation. This brochure would only apply, however, if they, or you, were planning to go India, especially if they were going to see the Taj Mahal. And if you aren't thinking about making a trip to visit the magnificent Taj, maybe you should, because there's more to the visit than just the spectacular domed monument.

That's right, you may suspect you'll love the spicy cuisine and beautiful ancient monuments, but did you know you'll also love where you stay in India as well? Well that is, if you stay at the Oberoi Amarvilas in Agra. Live like an Indian Prince or Princess in this world-renowned hotel. The Oberoi Amarvilas has a breathtaking list of awards: it's rated in the Top 20 Resorts In the World by Zagat, top 50 Hotels in Asia, Best Five-Star Hotel in India, Conde-Nast Gold List Best Hotels in the World, ETC. ETC, you get the idea.

So why all the acclaim? Well a gander at these gourgeous pictures and you'll see. (Pictures via Oberoi Hotels and Resorts.See dozens more pictures at their website.)
The decor is regal, without being over-the-top. Don't expect to find the same gaudy furniture as in many Indian-themed resorts. While the interior has a decidedly local flavor, it is done to world-class standards, showcasing some of the best of Indian interior design. You truly feel like you've stepped back in time, but not in a bad way, because every ammenity you might need is at hand, and everything stitch of bedding feels fresh and clean. And if you're looking to leave behind work, and get your relax on (and I'm sure you are), there's a good amount of relaxing activities available inside the resort: bathe in specialty local treatments at the spa such as milk and rose water, or practice Yoga with their comprehensive guidance, recieve a soothing massage, or lounge by our favorite part of the resort: the pool.

And at the Oberoi Amarvilas, you can't help but check out the view, because from the restaurant, lobby, and every room or suite in this palatial resort, you can see the renowned Taj Mahal in the near-distance, the reason you came in the first place. But after your visit you will surely realize, it was worth the trip just for the hotel all along.

Hotel Spotlight: Mandarin Oriental New York

The Mandarin Oriental New York is an impressive hotel in an impressive city; this hotel wows us, even by the standards of New York opulence. The world-class Mandarin Oriental New York offers the brand's unique trademark design - internationally renowned contemporary furniture with a touch of classical chinese - and it complements the city superbly. From the view of the sparkling city outside through gleaming glass windows, to the walls of the steam room, everything at the Mandarin glitters in tasteful shades of another favorite color of the hotel's designers, gold. And that's about how you'll have to pay for it, since this kind of luxury doesn't come cheap. Prices start at roughly $600 USD a night, and range to $3000 or more a night for the Stay and Spa package. But hey, it's New York, and the time isn't cheap, so why should the time of your life be cheap?

And if the time of your life involves fine dining (and doesn't it for everyone?) then you're in luck here too. Some of New York's chicest restaurants are housed in the hotel, including Asiate, a curious but enticing fusion of French and Japanese cuisine with views of the city around and Cental Park. But don't take our word on the beauty of the view, take this one:

"...The best view of any restaurant in the city. The food is also spectacular." ~ The Daily Telegraph, 2006

Overall, the reasons for making this our hotel spotlight are clear: the design is a short throw away from heaven, and with first class service, gourmet eats, and a sublime spa, this resort in the city is a no-brainer. So go and make sure you have time to step out of everyday life and relish the beautiful views, enjoy the excellent dining, and marvel at the ethereal light flowing through the windows in the morning. The Mandarin Oriental, until further notice, is our favorite stay in one of the greatest hotel cities on Earth, and that's no light compliment.

Mandarin Oriental New York

Hotel Spotlight: St. Regis Aspen

The red-brick St. Regis is above the word hotel; it is most definately a resort. One of the best rated hotels in Aspen, or any ski resort for that matter, the St. Regis offers something for everyone. Like the scenery outside, the rooms are beautiful and immaculate. Decor is more than pleasing with a classic Aspen feel, with modern touches such as optional flat screen tv. Deep reds and warm beiges cucoon you from the crisp Aspen air, making this the perfect place for the snowbunnies to stay. And while the St. Regis is definately one of the finest places for a skiier to stay during the peak winter months, it is also an exceptional summer resort, as Colorado offers white water rafting, tennis, and breathtaking beauty during the warmer months. Guests at the St. Regis get free access to the nearby private golf course, the prestigious Ironbridge Club. Getting a room at the St. Regis with a fireplace is recommended, especially in the winter, mainly for the added ambiance. Dining is overseen by an internationally renowned chef at Olives Aspen, and massages are procured by professionals in a 15,000 square foot facility. Whether you are an avid golfer, a master skiier, or just someone looking to be pampered, the St. Regis Aspen is a first class choice, and our first ever pick for Hotel Spotlight

St Regis Aspen