OLEA ALL SUITE HOTEL ZAKYNTHOS
Organic Luxury and Tropical Tranquility
Organic Luxury and Tropical Tranquility
Pictures by Claus Brechenmacher-Reiner Baumann Photography.
BLOCK722 Bureau
Nestled amidst olive groves on a lush hillside of Zakynthos, Greece, the magnificent Olea All Suite Hotel seamlessly blends with the surrounding landscape. Created by the architectural firm BLOCK722 from Athens and Stockholm, this exquisite five-star retreat is a sanctuary where earth and water harmoniously coexist, offering guests a haven of understated luxury infused with modernist elegance and tropical charm.
At the heart of the resort lies a 4,000-square-meter, lake-like pool that gracefully follows the natural contours of the hillside in a tiered arrangement, encircled by the hotel's suites and shared facilities. The integration of guest suites and communal spaces fosters a sense of liberation and mindfulness akin to the profound relaxation experienced while floating.
Ionian Sea
Capitalizing on its exceptional hillside location, both the suites and main communal areas face south, basking in the warm Mediterranean sun while providing panoramic vistas of the rolling hills and the Ionian Sea beyond. Meanwhile, the bar is strategically positioned to the west, offering patrons indulgent views of the sun as it descends into the distant olive groves, the perfect backdrop for enjoying evening aperitifs.
Architecturally, the resort harmonizes the simplicity of modernism, characterized by clean cubic forms, with a tropical aesthetic featuring thatched roofs, color-washed walls, and bamboo screens. Earth-toned colors, materials, and textures are interwoven with hidden gardens and ancient olive trees, evoking the essence of the surrounding natural environment, while water elements throughout the resort, including pools, ponds, and streams, conjure the presence of the Ionian Sea on the horizon.
The resort's interior design embraces the earth-toned color palette, favoring minimalist sensibilities enriched by the textural opulence of natural materials such as oak wood, bamboo, and rattan, along with pockets of lush vegetation.
Accessed via a bridge over a shallow pond, the lobby welcomes guests with its airy double-height space and elegant simplicity. Adjacent to it, the restaurant is enchantingly enveloped by bamboo screens and illuminated by a central skylight, while the outdoor dining terrace captivates with its panoramic views and a thatched roof, where swaying straw creates a captivating atmosphere in sync with the gentle breeze.
Comprising 93 suites ranging from 36 to 105 square meters, the hotel offers private sun-drenched terraces or balconies with breathtaking views. The larger suites also provide access to shared or private pools. Guests seeking relaxation can explore the Olea Royal Spa, featuring a hammam, steam bath, sauna, and yoga pavilion, as well as a wide range of treatments using aromatic and essential oils inspired by Mediterranean herbs. These spa therapies perfectly embody Olea All Suite Hotel's commitment to refined hospitality rooted in the island's natural beauty.
VENICE-SIMPLON ORIENT EXPRESS
Opulence on the rails
Opulence on rails
It is undeniably the train that has most marked the history of travel. A crazy project initiated at the end of the 19th century by a visionary from Liège who, for the first time, wanted to banish the drudgery of travel in favor of "an experience thought out for the passengers".
The Orient-Express was the first luxury train to cross borders and connect the great capitals of the Old Continent. As early as 1883, it was possible to travel from Paris to Constantinople (now Istanbul) without changing trains. The Orient had never been so accessible to a Westerner. A new form of travel that will revolutionize the European railroads. Until then, it was necessary to change trains at each border, making any long-distance journey exhausting and particularly constraining. An upheaval that will change the world forever and that we owe to Georges Nagelmackers.
A Belgian story
With his engineering degree in hand, young Georges decided to travel to the United States after his studies, as most sons of good families did at the time. Don't they say that travel is the best way to learn? And the least we can say is that the young man from Liège returned home with a head full of ideas.
In 1867, on the other side of the Atlantic, at the height of his 24 years of age, our man travelled from West to East by train, and noticed that at night, the benches of the wagons were converted into bunks. It must be said that the distances are such that sitting for more than twenty hours is a punishment. In Europe, short distances did not yet require this type of arrangement, as the various railroad companies were barely able to cross borders.
Back home, Nagelmackers immediately set to work and designed the first car equipped with beds in accordance with Old World customs and tastes. In addition, he compartmentalizes it and creates cabins, which he equips with washbasins, mirrors and "the usual conveniences". Initially coupled with the very first international express trains, Nagelmackers planned to launch his cars in the four corners of Europe and beyond. However, it would take more than fifteen years to develop the project, because at the time, each country was compartmentalized within its borders with rail networks that sometimes had diametrically opposed technical standards.
Georges Nagelmackers succeeded in 1883. On June 5, the Orient Express train left the Gare de l'Est with great fanfare in the direction of Constantinople, passing through Budapest, Belgrade and Sofia. This luxurious convoy quickly adopted the mythical name of Orient-Express.
Reversal of fortune
The life of this palace on rails, and more broadly of the company that oversees it (the CIWL, for Compagnie Internationale des Wagons-Lits, founded by Nagelmackers in 1872), will be strewn with many pitfalls, starting with the First World War. As early as 1914, the conflict interrupted the circulation of the Orient-Express. It lost many sleeping cars and dining cars, which were destroyed, lost or requisitioned. Back on the rails in 1919, with new metal cars (no longer made of wood), ever more opulent and comfortable, the Orient-Express enjoyed a prosperous period during the Roaring Twenties. The setting for Albert Dunn's marquetry and René Lalique's glass creations was then in its golden age.
But this new momentum was interrupted from 1939 until 1946. Nagelmackers' CIWL emerged groggy from the Second World War. Finally, in 1977, the boom in the air transport market precipitated the end of this jewel of the European railroads. Shortly afterwards, several wagons were sold at auction, which meant that this exceptional heritage was dispersed to the four corners of Europe and beyond.
James B. Sherwood, the messiah
Without the American businessman James B. Sherwood, this legendary train would never have been put back on track. Sherwood quickly understood the importance of saving and perpetuating this piece of European history. As early as 1977, he started looking for disused cars and had them restored according to the rules of the art until he succeeded in building a complete train set combining sleeping cars and dining cars. Five years later, he launched the Venice-Simplon Orient Express and proposed a "new" travel experience that was nothing less than the reproduction of the way Agatha Christie, Marlene Dietrich and Lawrence of Arabia travelled.
The experience
The fleet of vintage cars that Belmond (a British hotel group now owned by LVMH) has at its disposal today includes seventeen examples that have been found here and there and come from express trains that have disappeared, such as the Blue Train, the Rome Express, the Northern Star and the Danube Express. You are greeted by stewards wearing blue and gold uniforms and white gloves who, after a word of welcome, take you to your cabin where your luggage has already been placed. In addition to the sleeping cars and three dining cars, the train also has a bar car with cozy armchairs and a piano. The decor is honored by tuxedos and evening gowns, just like in the Belle Époque. Jeans and sneakers would be an insult to the thousands of hours that went into the restoration of this sumptuous setting.
Entering one of the train's dining cars is like stepping back in time a century, in an environment that only the great and the good could frequent. The interior decoration is very meticulous, highlighting the superb marquetry of Albert Dunn or his French competitor René Prou. The wall panels display motifs inspired by Mother Nature that perfectly match the atmosphere of this legendary train. The most exclusive and rare materials are used here, such as mahogany burl, violet wood and rosewood.
Different types of cabins are offered: singles, twins or connecting to form a suite. The colorful velvet bench disappears after dinner in favor of a comfortable bunk with immaculate sheets. It is far from the king size of a five star hotel but without this narrow mattress, the experience would certainly not be the same. After breakfast, back in the cabin with a breathtaking view of the Alps, the Dolomites, the Danube or the Rhine Valley. The afternoon is enhanced by an afternoon tea served in a special china cabinet which only adds to the magic of the moment.
The routes
In the beginning, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express only ran from London to Venice and back, via Calais, Paris and Switzerland or Austria. Over the years, new routes have been added to the offer. For example, it is possible to travel from Paris to Istanbul, a six-day trip with two nights in palaces in Budapest and Bucharest, and recently to Berlin, following part of the meandering Rhine River. Passengers who have opted for a Paris-Istanbul trip will be able to relive an authentic border control between Europe and Turkey, just as travelers experienced when they jumped from one country to another at the beginning of the 20th century. Passing through customs and stamping your passport, nothing is missing!
Serving gourmets
Regardless of the itinerary chosen and the number of nights, the culinary experience offered has nothing to envy the best restaurants in the world, despite the modest size of the kitchen. The chef, who collaborates with the best Parisian suppliers but also with a few selected market gardeners along the route, proposes a refined cuisine, superbly staged by his team in a tableware haloed by the VSOE monogram reproduced in gold letters on each piece of the service. The bar remains open until the last guest has left. The cocktails elaborated by Walter Nisi can be sipped until the end of the night, accompanied by Petrossian caviar specialties. For those who prefer bubbles, the Côte d'Azur restaurant car has a champagne bar where the sparkling crystal of the flutes rubs shoulders with the countless plays of light created by the stained glass windows of René Lalique.
Three new Grand Suites
Four years ago, the Venice-Simplon Orient Express received three new Grand Suites that allow this legendary train to further enhance the level of comfort offered to passengers. In addition to a large bedroom with a double bed and a living room, these suites also have a bathroom with a shower and a sink. Opulent, they are inspired by Paris, Venice and Istanbul in the Belle Époque, with a profusion of rare woodwork, fine leatherwork, silky fabrics and ironwork skilfully combined by the London firm Wimberly Interiors. But the adventure doesn't end there, because a suite means personalized service. In addition to a dedicated steward, the offer also includes a private limousine transfer to and from the train, unlimited champagne and in-cabin meal service. The icing on the cake: each guest receives an exclusive Art Deco inspired bathrobe.
Pierre-Benoît Sepulchre
THE ‘1898 THE POST’ HOTEL
Old Post Office turns into Magnificent Hotel in Ghent
Photography by Alex Stephen Teuscher.
Let’s talk about this majestic transformation from 1998 old post office to a magnificent hotel in Ghent
Immerse yourself in the enchanting city of Ghent, where a historic treasure awaits. Overlooking the magnificent Saint Nicholas' Church and gracefully positioned along the Graslei, Ghent's picturesque quay on the right bank of the river Leie, stands 1898 The Post—an extraordinary hotel that exudes timeless elegance.
THE HOTEL
Formerly a grand Post Office boasting its own impressive 54-meter clock tower, this luxurious establishment, owned by the esteemed Zannier Group, occupies a prime location in the heart of Ghent's historic center. Designed in the captivating Neo-Gothic style by architect Louis Cloquet, the building's construction began in 1898 and now houses a two-story hotel comprising 38 rooms, each meticulously curated with a blend of contemporary elements and deep respect for its historical heritage, a signature touch by Geraldine Dohogne.
As you step inside, you'll be greeted by a captivating ambiance created by dark green walls, octagonal marble bathroom tiles, and retro fixtures adorned with dark brass finishes. These soothing yet contemporary touches beautifully complement the authentic antique furniture, historic postcards, and carefully curated memorabilia that gracefully adorn private spaces, creating an intimate and personal atmosphere.
Historical heritage
Formerly a grand Post Office boasting its own impressive 54-meter clock tower, this luxurious establishment, owned by the esteemed Zannier Group, occupies a prime location in the heart of Ghent's historic center. Designed in the captivating Neo-Gothic style by architect Louis Cloquet, the building's construction began in 1898 and now houses a two-story hotel comprising 38 rooms, each meticulously curated with a blend of contemporary elements and deep respect for its historical heritage, a signature touch by Geraldine Dohogne.
As you step inside, you'll be greeted by a captivating ambiance created by dark green walls, octagonal marble bathroom tiles, and retro fixtures adorned with dark brass finishes. These soothing yet contemporary touches beautifully complement the authentic antique furniture, historic postcards, and carefully curated memorabilia that gracefully adorn private spaces, creating an intimate and personal atmosphere.
The rooms, each named according to their size, range from the cozy Stamp rooms measuring 19 square meters to the spacious Letters and Suites, culminating in the most lavish option—the Loft, spanning an impressive 65 square meters. Many rooms feature double-height ceilings and mezzanine floors, enhancing the sense of openness and serenity.
However, it is the Tower Suite, measuring 36 square meters, that truly captivates with its breathtaking 360-degree views of the city and its enchanting octagonal duplex design, evoking a feeling of seclusion and fairy-tale-like charm.
In perfect harmony with the hotel's nostalgic ambiance, the shared spaces like The Kitchen and the Cobbler—a cozy sitting room with a fireplace and an exclusive cocktail bar—transport you to a bygone era. Adorned with paintings and adorned with books, these areas evoke the spirit of the past.
The corridor leading to the reception area proudly displays Cloquet's early sketches, while framed wax seals from Belgium's oldest aristocratic families and authentic postcards from the early 20th century grace the bedside tables.
Every thoughtful detail, from the preservation of the original window frames, staircases, and stone elements of the floors to the expressive gargoyles and statues adorning the façade, contribute to an enchanting, comfortable, and tranquil hospitality experience at 1898 The Post. Prepare to embark on a journey that transcends time, immersing yourself in the allure of the past while indulging in the utmost luxury and tranquility.
Pictures by Alex Stephen Teuscher.
VILLA PALLADIO JAIPUR
The Red Boutique Hotel
The Red Boutique Hotel
Exclusivity, intimacy, and captivating narratives are the key elements sought by discerning travelers in today's landscape. Villa Palladio Jaipur, a candy-colored boutique hotel in India, perfectly embodies this enchanting combination. Conceptualized by Italian-Swiss entrepreneur Barbara Miolini and Dutch designer Marie-Anne Oudejans, the creative duo behind the famed Bar Palladio, this dreamlike retreat reimagines a Maharaja's palace through the lens of Rococo exuberance and Italian flair.
CHIC ECCENTRIC
Nestled amidst lush landscaped gardens, Villa Palladio embraces the concept of a 19th-century "Grand Hotel" – a home away from home where guests can unwind, dine, and socialize. However, this experience goes beyond typical hospitality; it's akin to being under the care of a fairy godmother or an eccentric aunt. Miolini's vision for the hotel was to evoke a sense of excitement, surprise, and secrecy, which is brilliantly achieved through a vivid palette of red shades, floral motifs, and geometric patterns that ignite the senses. Fragrances of roses, jasmine, and champa flowers fill the air, accompanied by the serene melodies of babbling fountains and birdsong.
Mughal Empire Heritage
Located just a short drive from Jaipur, Villa Palladio sits on a tranquil three-acre estate, providing an escape from the city's bustling urban sprawl. The property's charm is further enhanced by the existing Rajasthani haveli, a richly decorated mansion reminiscent of the Mughal Empire. Despite the challenges of two Covid lockdowns, the hotel opened its doors in September 2022 after 2.5 years of dedicated effort, standing as a testament to Miolini's passion and the seamless fusion of cultures.
Miolini and Oudejans' intervention focused on revamping the existing mansion while adding a grand veranda and a new pool house. The grounds were transformed into a Mughal garden characterized by precise geometries and central water fountains. The renovation, far from understated, embraced a vibrant transformation, with a sumptuous palette of red hues that infuses the premises with an Alice-in-Wonderland sense of wonder and childlike fantasy.
Drawing inspiration from Jaipur's Pink City, the signature color of Villa Palladio is red, reflecting the robes worn by Cardinals in Rome. Throughout the interiors, red takes center stage, beautifully contrasting with the white exterior. Hand-painted motifs, striped patterns, and multifoil arches pay homage to Rajasthani architecture while incorporating Mughal, Moorish, and Italian influences. Local artisans meticulously crafted Rococo-style furnishings, adding to the hotel's distinctive aesthetic.
Red is the new trend
The enchantment continues in the nine uniquely decorated rooms and suites, where canopied beds, embroidered sheets, and hand-carved marble latticed screens evoke exquisite craftsmanship and a fairy tale ambiance. The Torre Belvedere rooms, occupying former watchtowers, boast octagonal bedrooms, soaring ceilings, and private terraces overlooking the rose garden, showcasing the property's celebration of grand simplicity.
Behind hibiscus hedges, the palm-shaded swimming pool awaits, adorned with candy-striped daybeds and vibrant red umbrellas. A pool house, designed in the Mughal style, stands nearby, while a charming pavilion bar serves Campari-based cocktails, harmonizing with the hotel's red theme. Guests can also indulge in the Spa, offering purifying rituals, nourishing treatments, and a serene meditation and yoga room with garden views. The hotel's culinary team embraces a farm-to-table philosophy, utilizing their organic vegetable and herb garden to create Italian and Rajasthani-inspired menus served on the covered veranda, allowing
