Mi casa su casa!

Travelling is one of life’s pleasures and I love to experience other cultures.  Whilst there are obvious benefits to staying in a large corporate hotel, I’d much prefer to find a quirky place to stay which represents that country’s way of life.   Uxua Casa in Brazil oozes Brazilian style and it looks so inviting!

Located in the quaint fishing village of Trancoso, the nine 1-3 bedroom houses were built and decorated in collaboration with local artisans using traditional building methods and recycled materials.

The decor is traditional yet modern at the same time.  The furniture looks well-used in a ‘ shabby chic ‘ kind of way, with each piece suggesting it has an interesting history to tell…

Uxua is pronounced oo-shoo-ahh, meaning ‘marvelous’.

posted by Emily

Luxury retreat

Ibiza may be considered to be the ‘party capital of the world’, but the balearic islands have so much more to offer than just a great night out.   Also the ideal place to relax and unwind, the islands boast breathtaking scenery with crystal clear, secluded beaches.  It’s no wonder A-listers flock there year after year! 

Atzaró is a century old family-run farmhouse located in Sant Joan, Ibiza.  This isn’t just any old farmhouse though- it has been converted into luxury accommodation, complete with restaurant, gym, swimming pool and spa!

The decor has a very Asian feel throughout.  I’m quite taken with the dressing table, above.  Hopefully that’s the camera man’s assistant and not a ghost reflected there in the mirror!!  I love the uniqueness of the layout- the orange artwork sets off the wooden panelling beautifully. 

Here, one wall has been left natural, adding interesting texture and a rustic feel.

Gorgeous bathroom!  I can’t help thinking that the hotel should be based on Spanish design though, particularly since this building has a history. 

posted by Emily

Home from home?

This fabulous hotel in Buenos Aires has won numerous awards to include the 2007 Wallpaper Design Award and has made it on to the Conde Nast Traveller Hotlist.  Looking at these images, it’s easy to see why!

The website for Home hotel is such fun- a refreshing change from the usual uniform pages we are used to seeing.

The hotel décor is a eclectic mix of old and new, mixing vintage French wallpaper, Danish furniture and wool rugs from Chili, with custom made furniture… with great results I’m sure you’ll agree!  I particularly like the loft rooms and garden suite (pictured).

Owners Patricia O´Shea and her husband Tom Rixton felt there was a lack of suitable accommodation in Palermo, hence the creation of Home.

“We realized there was a need for a hotel in this location and with all the things our friends wanted. So we decided to create Home, the hotel we and our friends would like to stay…” -Tom Rixton

click here to book

posted by Emily

Starry Night

The Loisaba Wilderness, situated in the beautiful Mount Kenya National Park, has been noted on Tripadvisor as being a particularly special getaway.  Well… where else can you drift off to sleep beneath the stars amongst the Kenyan wilderness?

Their homemade “Mukokoteni” (bed on wheels), can either be wheeled onto the open deck area for a night under the stars, or left under the shelter of the thatched roof.  The Star Beds are normally reached by one of many options; on foot, horse, camel or vehicle/ A camel or horse… how magical! 

For those who like their comfort and are concerned about sleeping amongst the wildlife(!!), it’s good to know that come morning you’ll be back at your luxury lodge/house/cottage, depending on what you’ve opted for. 

Above is one 0f the many stunning images of  Loisaba Wilderness.

posted by Emily